To ask the Minister for Communities what work he is (i) undertaking; and (ii) planning to undertake with the Minister of Health to ensure a regionally equitable approach is taken to planning for those transitioning from care to independent living.

The Department funds the Supporting People Programme, protecting its annual budget of £72.8 million, for the commissioning by the NIHE of the provision of housing support services to enable vulnerable people to live as independently as possible in the community. The governance and oversight of the commissioned services sits with the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. The Programme commissions housing-related support services to vulnerable people, including those transitioning from care, by enabling them to have greater independence.

The Department of Health sit on the Supporting People Strategic Advisory Board, chaired by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, which advises the NIHE Board of the strategic funding priorities of the Supporting People Programme in line with the overarching policy, operational strategy, budget allocation and relevant governance arrangements. The Strategic Advisory Board should ensure that these priorities are reflected consistently and in a standardised manner in the decisions relating to the grant funding and planning structures of the SP Programme. The Strategic Advisory Board provides assurance that processes and practices are fair, transparent and equitable.