National Housing Strategy for People with a Disability 2011 - 2016

integral support to the housing functions of each local authority and the remit of the groupsshould be reflected within future housing services plans.Purpose and Role of Housing and Disability Steering Groups7.11 The role of the Housing and Disability Steering Groups will be to:• Oversee the implementation of the National Housing Strategy for People with aDisability at local level;• Monitor and review the operation, at local level, of agreed national interagencyhousing protocols and develop, as appropriate, protocols or mechanisms for effectivecooperation at local level;• Plan strategically to meet the short, medium and longer term housing and relatedsupport needs of people with sensory, mental health, physical and intellectualdisabilities, including through:- a review of current local provision for each disability sector, including howcurrent mainstream housing solutions are addressing the needs of peoplewith disabilities; and- the determination of actions and time bound targets to inform the disabilitysections of future Housing Services Plans for each authority 47 .• Work collaboratively with other agencies involved in the provision of services forpeople with disabilities. This should include developing and strengthening linkageswith agencies involved in the provision of employment, training and education forpeople with disabilities;• Be solution driven and foster innovation and flexibility;• Act as a forum for exchange of information;• Report on an annual basis to the Implementation Monitoring Committee and therelevant County/City Development Board.47This action should be reflected in guidance developed for local authorities in relation to the preparation ofhousing services plans.76