Appendix - North Kesteven District Council

E Supporting Minority Groups
This section of the Strategy provides a description of how the Council in partnership with other organisations is
supporting various minority groups which have been identified.
Youth Issues
There are increasing concerns over the increasing difficulty young people experience accessing suitable housing
within the district. This is largely due a lack of affordable housing or a requirement for a guarantor for the under
18s. The lack of move on accommodation resulting in bed blocking has also been identified by accommodation
and support providers such as Foyer, L.E.A.P, Nacro, as another key concern.
A youth strategy group has been established to develop a 5 year strategy (2005 – 2008) along with a robust action
plan, to improve the integration of services to young people, to prevent homelessness occurring and wherever
possible, to ensure there is provision of a range of good quality supported accommodation, for use in emergencies
such as Nightstop or Supported Lodgings and for move on purposes.
Teenage parents
In response to the National Teenage Pregnancy Strategy, the Lincolnshire Teenage Pregnancy unit launched the
County Strategy and action plan during 2004, to deliver local and national priorities (available through the Housing
Services Manager). This includes:
Developing the Housing Advisory group with a representative from each district authority.
Identifying existing accommodation & support providers and good practise.
Working with district authorities to identify teenage parents, under 18’s, who need support and accommodation via
the annual needs assessment.
Ensuring provision of accommodation and support, including move on, is included in local Supporting People,
Housing and Homelessness Strategies.
The Council’s representative has actively participated in the Housing Advisory group to deliver the actions and we
have identified 4 applicants, aged 17 years who are registered for assistance with this authority for
accommodation, in the future.
Adults with physical disabilities
In addition to the disabled adaptation and DFG issues the Council has also ensured, through asset management
planning, that all of its buildings are accessible in accordance with current performance indicator standards. This
standard is in the process of changing and additional survey work will now be required.
In addition, the Council is currently working with Social Services and a Private Sector Developer to construct two
properties which will be leased to the Council on long leases. The properties will be allocated by social services
who will provide short to medium term care for people with physical disabilities. The tenancies will be managed by
the Council.
The Council has taken part in joint planning with social services on a new Lincolnshire Physical Disability strategy.
This will develop plans for additional purpose built accommodation in local authority areas.
Adults With Learning Disabilities
The Council works with Social Services to provide placements within Council accommodation. The Council values
such arrangements which can provide very positive opportunities for adults with learning disabilities who may
previously have been accommodated in inappropriate residential or other specialist housing.
35 Housing Strategy 2005 - 2008