Lead Member – Councillor Dean Carroll, Portfolio Holder for Housing & Assets

Lead Officer - Tami Sabanovic

RESOLVED:

To approve and adopt the Independent Living and Specialist Accommdation Strategy, attached as Appendix I.

The Portfolio Holder for Housing and Assets introduced the report and advised members that the strategy aimed to improve the life experience of vulnerable people in Shropshire by enabling them to remain independent in their own homes. The report included the outcome and results of the public consultation period, summarised in the main body and Appendix 3. The strategy includes an exhaustive action plan in Appendix 1.

Concern was expressed about how the Council would communicate with residents who do not use the Internet, given that 34% of residents aged over 75 had not used the Internet in the last three months. The Portfolio Holder explained the Council's approach is "digital by default" but not "digital by exclusion." The Council continues to invest in and support the customer care team and customer care centre to ensure that all residents are reached.

Members noted that the Council was working hard to reach hard-to-reach members of the community through public libraries, Community Hubs, and the Shropshire Local initiative. The Portfolio Holder for Culture and Digital added that the Council is co-chairing the digital inclusion network with Age UK and other organisations to address these challenges.

RESOLVED:

To approve and adopt the Independent Living and Specialist Accommodation Strategy, attached as Appendix I.