Statistical Bulletin: HSG/2005/2: People assisted through Supporting People funding: 2003-04
2. Main points
2.1 In 2003-04, 140,207 individuals were assisted through Supporting People funding. This represents 3.4% of the population aged 16 and over. The local authorities with the highest percentage of clients per head of population aged 16 and over were West Dunbartonshire (11%), Inverclyde (7%), Renfrewshire (7%) and Angus (7%). The lowest percentages were found to be in Highland, Orkney, Eilean Siar, and Shetland (all at 1%) ( Table 1).
2.2 The biggest groups of clients who received support were older people (55%), other vulnerable groups (15%) and homeless or rough sleepers (14%) ( Table 2). Older people are the majority group for 23 local authorities and homeless people for a further five local authorities ( Table 4).
2.3 Females made up 59% of clients and the people aged 75-84 constituted the largest group (24%) with 53% of clients being 65 or over ( Table 5).
2.4 The largest providers of support were local authority housing (28%), registered social landlords (27%) and local authority social work departments (25%). Voluntary organisations provided 17% of support ( Table 7).
2.5 Accommodation linked continuous support was received by 40% of clients and one to four hours floating support, received by 26% ( Table 8).
2.6 Of all clients, 60% received permanent support and 19% received variable support ( Table 9).
2.7 Nearly half of all clients received support in mainstream housing (49%), with a further 28% in special housing ( Table 10).