Written statement on Supported Housing Consultation - Nov 5

Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Homelessness and Rough Sleeping (Rushanara Ali): Supported housing provides a home to over half a million people who rely on support to live as independently as possible or recover from a period of crisis. When it is provided responsibly, it results in improved wellbeing, health, and employment prospects for residents, and can relieve pressure on services like the NHS and social care.

There are many excellent supported housing providers in England providing high quality support and accommodation to their residents. But sadly, there continue to be cases of residents finding themselves at the hands of exploitative landlords. A minority of rogue landlords are failing to give residents the support they need, which is resulting in poor outcomes for residents and poor value for money for the taxpayer. It is vital that the quality of supported housing improves and delivers a better experience for residents.

The Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act 2023 (the Act) includes measures to drive out rogue providers and drive-up standards for vulnerable people living in supported housing. It contains powers for the government to set new National Supported Housing Standards for the support provided to residents, enforced through a licensing regime. It also allows for a link between licensing, the standards and Housing Benefit, delivering better value for money for the taxpayer. We are committed to delivering the measures in the Act and to improving the quality of supported housing in England to ensure residents get the support that they deserve.

I am making this statement today to fulfil my duty under the Act to update Parliament on the progress made towards making licensing regulations. My officials have been working with stakeholders to develop the proposals in the forthcoming consultation on licensing, which we will publish in the new year. We also remain committed to establishing a Supported Housing Advisory Panel.

We strongly encourage supported housing providers, local authorities, regulators, provider organisations, and crucially residents to respond to the consultation as it is vital that we get these reforms right. I look forward to working with the sector and residents on this important issue.