Care & Repair Cymru comments on the Comprehensive Spending Review

With the comprehensive spending review announcements made on October 20^th, the following statements have been made by Chris Jones, Managing Director of CRC and Nick Bennett, Group Chief Executive of CHC and CRC.

Chris Jones said:

"This is the first step in the process of determining the detailed budget lines for Wales, with the WAG draft budget being developed between now and the 17^th November.  Between now and then, we will be focusing on putting forward the strong case for Care & Repair services to WAG officers and Ministers.  In particular, we will continue to highlight the value for money our Rapid Response capital programme achieves in preventing more expensive outcomes such as hospital admissions, bed blocking and residential care.

Nick Bennett, said:

"It's important to remember that the cuts to social housing announced so far only relate to England. We realise that the Barnett block settlement will be tighter than at any time since devolution, but we are determined to work with WAG and all our partners to make sure that there continues to be maximum public and private investment in not for profit housing, regeneration and care. As Kevin Morgan stated, now is the time for innovation rather than indignation, that is why the social housing sector is urgently exploring the potential for a Welsh Housing Investment Trust and Welsh Bond finance to make scarce public resources stretch as far as we can. It is also the reason we are looking to roll out Moneyline Cymru, (a community development initiative)across Wales at a time of great hardship for the most vulnerable. We will also be working hard to ensure that not for profit involvement in programmes such as Supporting People and Care & Repair continue to help take the strain off NHS pressures. We will continue to make the case until the publication of the WAG draft budget on November 17th."