The Scottish Government

• Data on people receiving services funded through the Supporting People programme have been collected since 2003-04, and show the range of client groups and type of support provided. In 2007-08, about 201,241 individuals were assisted through Supporting People funding, 12% more than reported for 2006-07 (about 180,317).
• Clients receiving support in 2007-08 were mainly older people (45%), homeless or rough sleepers (17%), and people with a physical disability, illness or sensory impairment (7%).
• 58% of clients were female and 48% were aged 65 or over.
• Overall, 5% of the adult population received support in 2007-08. This proportion rises to 14% for people aged 75-84, and to 30% for those aged 85 and over.
• With the removal of ring fenced funding for Supporting People from 1 April 2008, 2007-08 is the last year data will be published in the current format. In the longer term, the collection of information on people receiving housing support is being reviewed with the aim of moving to a more outcome focussed approach and integrating more with social and community care data collections.
• For more information on the Supporting People programme, see:

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Built-Environment/Housing/access/housingsupport/supportpeople