Local authorities will have to prepare a review strategy for October 2002. Sheltered housing will be covered by the Supporting People programme, which will provide for planned and managed support for which older people have applied, been assessed and accepted for. While Supporting People is a potential catalyst for changes to existing provision and service delivery, it is essential to keep the rights of sheltered housing residents to the forefront. In developing the programme local authorities will need to develop an appropriate monitoring and evaluation framework by October 2002 . Further guidance on quality and monitoring will be provided by the Scottish Executive.
Local authorities have considerable experience in negotiating, tendering and contracting.
However, in purchasing new support services, certain elements of the process must be considered particularly important in ensuring existing services are not accidentally destroyed. For example, small specialist providers, who may be locally based and provide only a small range of services, may still be able to meet particular needs most effectively. Block purchasing contracts are expected to be the most common form of arrangement with providers. However, it may also be possible to use direct payments in some circumstances. The arrangements for direct payments under Supporting People will be clarified at a later date.