A tailored approach to protect and encourage the supply of a wide
range of supported housing has been set out by government today
(31 October). All long-term housing will remain in the welfare
system and a proposed ‘sheltered rent’ for sheltered and extra
care housing will keep rent and service charge at an appropriate
level, protecting the housing needs of older and vulnerable
people.
Local areas will be taking a bigger role in providing short-term
and emergency housing through a ring-fenced grant to local
authorities by April 2020, allowing vulnerable people to access
secure accommodation without worrying about meeting housing costs
at a difficult point in their lives. The grant will be
underpinned by a National Statement of Expectation setting out
how local authorities should plan effectively for provision in
their area.
Supported housing provides a home to some of the most vulnerable
people in this country and the vast majority is provided for
older people. The government knows the supply of these homes
needs to grow as this country’s ageing population means that
demand is forecast to increase.
Currently supported accommodation is funded through the welfare
system, including the housing costs and extra support services.
These reforms will ensure:
- funding certainty for the sector, and encouraging long-term
investment and new supply
- local areas have a greater role in commissioning services
- councils have a stronger role in providing the right services
for their local areas
Local Government Minister said:
This government is committed to boosting the supply of new
homes, and helping people to live independently and with
dignity for as long as possible. This is why we are giving the
supported housing sector the certainty of funding they need to
get building new homes.
These reforms will deliver quality and value for money, funding
certainty for the sector and give local areas a greater role in
commissioning services.
Minister for Family Support, Housing and Child Maintenance
Minister said:
We value the important role supported housing plays and that’s
why we have worked closely with providers and listened to their
feedback to come up with solutions that will safeguard its
future and improve support for those that need a home that is
safe and secure.
The new flexible funding model and reforms will give housing
providers certainty over future funding and drive up quality
and provide value for money.
The supported housing sector support provides homes from older
renters. It also provides a home for other vulnerable groups such
as people with learning disabilities, mental ill health, homeless
people and victims of domestic abuse.
The government’s latest policy
statement is published online including further
consultation on the detailed implementation of the flexible
funding models for both sheltered rent and long term supported
accommodation.
The consultation on
the detailed implementation of the flexible funding model for
supported housing will run until 23 January 2018.
Last week (25 October 2017) the government announced that
the Local Housing Allowance rate will not be applied to the
social rented sector.
