The Local Government Association (LGA) is urging Government to
address subsidy rules and invest in supported housing to reduce
pressures on health services and ensure effective implementation
of the Supported Housing Act.
A shortage of supported housing in 2023-24 cost the NHS £71
million through delayed mental health hospital discharges.
Expanding provision has the potential to save up to £50 million a
year for the NHS and a total annual saving of £6 billion for the
wider public purse.
Supported housing provides a vital safety net for individuals
with complex needs, including people experiencing or at risk of
homelessness, care leavers, people with disabilities, and those
with mental health needs. It is a lifeline service offering
safety and stability in a secure home environment, enabling
people to live independently, preventing homelessness and
reducing pressure on hospital admissions.
It is just one vital element of a broader preventative care and
support system that keeps people healthy and enables independent
living. Adapting homes, investing in community support, and
reducing isolation and loneliness are all part of a care system
that enables people to live more equal and healthier lives.
The call to government coincides with new guidance for councils
published by the LGA today, highlighting the growing demand for
supported housing provision. Analysis by the National Housing
Federation found that by 2040, additional demand for
supported housing will exceed 200,000 units.
The LGA is calling the Government to:
- Consider the full scale of new burdens funding required for
councils to adequately implement licensing schemes, enforce new
standards, and support well intentioned providers.
- Sustainably fund the commissioning of supported housing to
prevent homelessness, ease hospital discharge, and reduce care
placements.
- Reform housing benefit subsidy rules, which currently leave
councils millions of pounds out of pocket and limit their ability
to commission high-quality supported housing.
Cllr Dr , Chair of the LGA Health and
Wellbeing Committee, said:
“Councils are committed to providing high-quality supported
housing for residents and want to invest more to continue
enabling people who draw on care to lead independent and
fulfilling lives.
“Groundwork is being laid by councils across the country, through
innovative working ahead of the implementation of the Supporting
Housing Act. But, without much-needed long-term investment in
this essential preventative care service, many older people and
those with physical and learning disabilities will continue to be
in hospital and residential care longer than necessary. Young
care leavers, people fleeing domestic abuse, and those
experiencing homelessness will be without stable housing.
“We urge the Government to work with councils to invest in
supported housing, to enable councils to meet their duties under
the Care Act, deliver licensing schemes, enforce new standards
and support providers with building a supported housing system
that is fit for the future.
“This new guidance will support councils to identify the most
effective tools to deliver high-quality supported housing schemes
within the context of their local priorities, challenges and
capacities.”
Drawing on the Supported Housing Improvement Programme (SHIP)
pilots, the guidance from the LGA provides councils with clear
steps, resources and checklists to help prepare for the
implementation of the Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight)
Act by improving oversight, strengthening provider relationships
and ensuring better outcomes for residents.
Notes to Editors
LGA: Supported Housing
Guidance for local authorities in England
NHF: Supported Housing to
2040
NHF: Costs and
Benefits
NHF: Finding a safe home
after hospital
