Agenda item

To consider the report of the Private Sector Housing Task and Finish Group, with regard to the Arthritis Motion referred to the Group by the Council.

Cllr Cleary presented the report of the Private Sector Housing Task and Finish Group and moved the adoption of the revised motion as set out in the report and as follows:-

“This Council notes that:

·        Arthritis and related conditions of muscles, bones and joints affect 17.8 million people across the UK.

·        People with these conditions often need access to the social care system.

·        Versus Arthritis’ policy report ‘Adapted Homes, Empowered Lives’ details the positive impact home aids and adaptations can have on people with arthritis.  Their quantitative research among 1059 people with arthritis found that:

o   60% of people with arthritis used an aid or adaptation

o   95% felt that aids and adaptations have had a positive impact on their lives

o   79% felt that aids and adaptations had helped them maintain their independence.

·        Services that provide aids and adaptations are proven to be cost-effective and can result in health and care savings.

·        Only 16% of people with arthritis with eligible care needs surveyed knew of the support that their council can offer them.

This Council believes that an effective provision of the Disabled Facilities Grant and community equipment services can help people with arthritis achieve a better quality of life and reduce pressure on the social care system.

This Council endorses Versus Arthritis’ policy report ‘Adapted Homes, Empowered Lives’ and its recommendations.

This Council will evaluate its information and advice services about aids and adaptations and housing in line with best practice guidance to ensure they meet the needs of people with musculoskeletal conditions.

This Council will continue to be all inclusive and support those with all types of disability.”

Cllr S Davies seconded the motion.

Cllr M Wade welcomed the revised motion and thanked Members and Officers for their work in bringing it forward.

RESOLVED:

This Council notes that:

·        Arthritis and related conditions of muscles, bones and joints affect 17.8 million people across the UK.

·        People with these conditions often need access to the social care system.

·        Versus Arthritis’ policy report ‘Adapted Homes, Empowered Lives’ details the positive impact home aids and adaptations can have on people with arthritis.  Their quantitative research among 1059 people with arthritis found that:

o   60% of people with arthritis used an aid or adaptation

o   95% felt that aids and adaptations have had a positive impact on their lives

o   79% felt that aids and adaptations had helped them maintain their independence.

·        Services that provide aids and adaptations are proven to be cost-effective and can result in health and care savings.

·        Only 16% of people with arthritis with eligible care needs surveyed knew of the support that their council can offer them.

This Council believes that an effective provision of the Disabled Facilities Grant and community equipment services can help people with arthritis achieve a better quality of life and reduce pressure on the social care system.

This Council endorses Versus Arthritis’ policy report ‘Adapted Homes, Empowered Lives’ and its recommendations.

This Council will evaluate its information and advice services about aids and adaptations and housing in line with best practice guidance to ensure they meet the needs of people with musculoskeletal conditions.

This Council will continue to be all inclusive and support those with all types of

disability.