Best practice and insights report on improving housing choice for people with a learning disability

This report explores how people with a learning disability can live in mainstream housing – as distinct from supported accommodation such as supported living, Shared Lives, or care homes. It highlights a range of living arrangements outside formal support settings and includes contributions from people with a learning disability, their families, and 15 councils.

The report covers:

• The different types of mainstream housing people with a learning disability live in, whether or not they receive adult social care support

• Case studies showing how councils and others support access to mainstream housing

• Barriers to accessing mainstream housing by people with learning disabilities

• Practical steps councils are taking—and can take—to overcome these barriers

• The case for change, outlining the benefits for individuals and councils

• Resources for council staff and partners to support access to mainstream housing by people with learning disabilities

Housing LIN worked with Learning Disability England to ensure the experiences of people with a learning disability and their families are central to this work. The report is intended for council staff involved in adult social care and housing, as well as their partners and stakeholders. 

Ian Copeman, Business Director at the Housing LIN said:

"We are delighted to work with Partners in Care and Health at the Local Government Association as well as local authority colleagues, Learning Disability England, KeyRing and other organisations to highlight the importance of people with learning disabilities being able to access mainstream housing. We know from previous research undertaken by the University of York and the University of Bristol with Learning Disability England and the Housing LIN that living in mainstream housing with appropriate support is the preferred housing choice of many people with learning disabilities."