Minister for Homelessness and Democracy (): The Government recently
consulted on its proposals for implementing the measures in the
Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act 2023. The Act aims
to improve quality in supported housing – the consultation
included detail on the proposed licensing regime, the National
Supported Housing Standards for the support provided, and Housing
Benefit content.
While the consultation was open, officials held a number of
stakeholder engagement sessions and consulted with statutory
consultees. There were just under 600 responses from local
authorities, providers, residents and others with an interest in
supported housing, demonstrating the interest from those involved
in supported housing who wanted to have their say on the changes
we proposed.
It is clear from the consultation responses, and engagement with
the sector, that elements of the licensing regime design will
need to be refined before regulations can be laid and work is now
underway to achieve this. As I recognised in my Written
Ministerial Statement of 5 November 2024, there continue to be
cases of residents finding themselves at the hands of
exploitative landlords. However, it is extremely important that
we ensure that the licensing is effective, not overly burdensome,
and that it ultimately achieves the right result – residents
living in appropriate, good quality supported housing, with the
right support to residents.
I would like to thank those who responded to the consultation for
their constructive feedback.
We will aim to publish a full government response after Summer
Recess, in advance of consulting on the draft regulations in
early 2026 and implementing the Act as soon as is practicably
possible.
