Shadow Communities and Housing Minister Mark Isherwood AM has said it is crucial that the next Welsh Government commits to continuing the work to improve the home adaptations system.
Responding to the Minister for Communities and Tackling Poverty’s Statement on the ‘The Enhanced Adaptation System’ this week, Mr Isherwood, who has previously emphasised the vital role adaptations play in helping people to remain in their own homes as safely and independently as possible, said it is essential that the next Welsh Government commits to continuing efforts to better the system.
He said:
“The key stakeholders you referred to have told me the key issue for them is that this is the start of a process, not the end. How, therefore, do you respond to their question, ‘How are we to secure commitment to this continuing after the election?’
“Clearly, we don’t know exactly what the Welsh Government will be. I know my Party will commit ourselves to continuing this after the election, but how, in your legacy, will you ensure commitment to this, whatever the outcome of the election, in the next Assembly?
“the Older People’s Commissioner …. says it’s important to recognise that the success of the scheme will be dependent on ensuring a new scheme is implemented in a consistent way across Wales, and that people’s experiences are used to drive on-going improvements.”
“The College of Occupational Therapists …. say it will be critical to ensure that people can gain information and advice to arrange their own actions and access greater levels of support” but “this can only be achieved by all the services working together, with the person’s desired outcomes central to the decision making”.
Mr Isherwood also questioned the Minister over funding for the Rapid Response Adaptations Programme and ways in which the new system will monitor customer satisfaction.
Mr Isherwood said: “After 17 years of false starts by Labour led Welsh Government, it is time for delivery, putting people at the centre, designing and delivering services across the sectors.”