Issue - meetings

The Homes and Health Team Manager introduced the report and advised that the paper had been presented to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee to enable an in?depth review of the work undertaken by the Good Home Alliance since its commencement almost two years previously. It was explained that the report provided detailed information on the activity delivered to-date and the evaluation being completed in partnership with London School of Economics.

The Committee had received an update from Mr Adam Newman?Pring, the Healthy and Accessible Homes Lead for Lincolnshire and the Lead for the Good Home Alliance Project, regarding the Good Home Alliance project and the evaluation undertaken by the London School of Economics. It was noted that funding had been in place until June 2026, with the final evaluation due shortly after the pilot concluded. The project had been designed to support owner?occupiers experiencing housing issues that did not meet the threshold for statutory services. Increased living costs had resulted in higher demand, and referrals had exceeded 400, with significant peaks during the winter months.

The service had provided both open?access online advice and intensive casework. The Lincolnshire Connect to Support platform had hosted extensive guidance, and a Healthy Homes Assessment tool had been developed to assist residents in identifying issues within their homes. The team had offered practical support where individuals had been unable to act independently, including assistance in sourcing contractors, clearing homes, and accessing specialist funding.

It was reported that strong multi?agency partnerships had been established across health, fire and rescue, children’s services, and trading standards. These included referral pathways for asthma practitioners, fire safety advocates, and family hubs. The service had been regarded as uniquely positioned across the housing, health, and social care sectors, with an emphasis on “homes” rather than tenure?based housing functions.

Funding for the continuation of the project to March 2028 had been expected to total £33,000, reflecting a reduced requirement.

Members of the committee discussed the continuation and future development of the Good Home Alliance project. Questions were raised regarding the commitment of all Lincolnshire districts, the implications should any authority withdraw, and the impact this would have on the viability of the casework team. It had been explained that officer support remained strong across the districts, although formal decisions had not yet been taken. The need for early clarity to retain experienced staff had been emphasised.

Committee Members considered the accessibility of the service, particularly in rural areas and among digitally excluded households. Concerns were expressed that awareness remained limited and that vulnerable residents might not yet be benefiting from the scheme. Officers acknowledged these challenges and highlighted ongoing efforts to expand communications, outreach, and engagement through community events, printed materials, professional networks, and existing referral partners.

Discussion took place regarding the needs of private owner?occupiers and the extent to which the project could support households experiencing damp, mould, structural deterioration, or multiple vulnerabilities. It had been confirmed that while the project did  ...  view the full minutes text for item 43