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Supported Housing regulation: consultation

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The government has published its two-part proposals for implementing measures in the Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act 2023 (Part One). Part Two puts forward changes to Housing Benefit Regulations. In short, it is proposing to introduce a locally led licensing regime for supported housing (at the scheme level) across England, along with new National Supported Housing Standards for the support provided and changes to Housing Benefit Regulations to ensure that supported housing is good quality and delivers value for money.

In addition, the consultation considers:

  • which types of supported housing will need a licence 
  • proposals to introduce a framework with defining principles in National Supported Housing Standards
  • whether there should be a supported housing planning use class (after the licensing regime has been operating for three years)
  • the definitions of care, support and supervision for the purposes of specified accommodation in Housing Benefit regulations, and
  • linking Housing Benefit to the licencing scheme (and other relevant frameworks in Scotland and Wales)

Housing LIN members should be aware of the variety of types of supported housing the proposed arrangements will cover. The consultation lists the following:

  • extra care housing for older people (also known as housing with care or assisted living)
  • supported living housing for people with a learning disability and/or autistic people
  • supported housing for people with mental ill health
  • supported housing for people with a physical disability
  • supported housing for young people leaving care or who are at risk of homelessness
  • supported housing (including hostels) for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness
  • supported housing for people with drug and alcohol dependency needs
  • supported housing for people with multiple complex needs
  • domestic abuse refuges and safe accommodation with support

Commenting on the announcement, Ian Copeman, the Housing LIN’s Business Director, stated:

“The Housing LIN welcomes the draft regulations announcement by the government today setting out their intentions for regulating the supported housing sector. We look forward to collaborating with policy makers, local authorities, supported housing providers and other partners in responding to and helping to shape how these regulations work in practice, particularly for the benefit of people living in supported housing.”

The consultation closes on 15 May 2025.