Government announces new measures to put an end to unscrupulous landlords exploiting some of the most vulnerable in our society
Government has today announced, in a Written Ministerial Statement from Minister Hughes, its intention to bring forward a package of measures to put an end to unscrupulous landlords exploiting some of the most vulnerable in our society.
The Government has committed to ensuring that supported housing is good quality and meets the needs of its residents by investing £11.5 billion in much-needed supply through the Affordable Homes Programme, which includes delivery of new supported housing for older, disabled and other vulnerable people.
This package of measures will include:
- Minimum standards for the support provided to residents, to ensure residents receive the good quality support they expect and deserve in order to live as independently as possible and achieve their personal goals;
- New powers for local authorities in England to better manage their local supported housing market and ensure no individual falls through the cracks; and
- Changes to Housing Benefit regulations to seek to define care, support and supervision to improve quality across all specified supported housing provision.
Government also announced today that the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) will provide £20 million for a Supported Housing Improvement Programme. Funding for this three-year programme will be open to bids from all local authorities, to build on the success of the recent supported housing pilots.
The pilots have created the models for best practice that other local authorities will be able to adopt. Local authorities have been able to crack down on rogue landlords and ensure supported housing is providing adequate, tailored support and good-quality accommodation for its residents.
Ian Copeman, the Housing LIN’s Business Director, said:
“We welcome the announcement of £20m over 3 years to improve the quality of supported
housing services and ensure that older, disabled and other vulnerable people have access to better housing choices and good quality support. The Housing LIN is working closely with local authorities, housing providers and their respective representative bodies to produce relevant operational guidelines, including managing exempt accommodation, as well as providing councils to better understand the strategic housing market for housing related support across their localities.”
To discuss the implications of and opportunities arising from this announcement and our work with local authorities and their partners, please get in contact.
These measures were announced today as part of wider Government plans on levelling up. (opens new window)