Turning the Tide
This paper sets out our shared vision for people experiencing multiple needs and exclusions in every local area. It proposes five building blocks for government that will make it the norm for local leaders to put coordinated services in place. Across the country people are leading chaotic lives and facing premature death because society fails to understand and coordinate the support they need. These people have often looked for help but not found it. Instead they have ended up in a downward spiral that is costly for themselves, their families, communities and the public purse.
Our vision is that in every local area people experiencing multiple needs will be supported by effective, coordinated services and empowered to tackle their problems, reach their potential and contribute to their communities. Our vision calls for a step-change in how we respond to people at the margins of our society. Across the country, many are trying hard to make it a reality, but local areas and services can’t do this alone. Too often, offering coordinated services goes against the tide of policy. By building on current reform, public concern and the need to save money, our leaders can help stop the chaos and damage caused by multiple needs. Government commitment and leadership – together with the expertise and efforts of service users and partners across the country – can turn the tide.
This paper sets out five building blocks:
- Communicating a clear message that tackling multiple needs and exclusions is a government priority
- Defining and identifying people experiencing multiple needs and exclusions
- Creating accountability, leadership and transparency
- Making outcomes and commissioning work for this group
- Getting the finances right in local areas.
With the right information, incentives and strong leadership, we believe every community across the country could achieve this vision.
