What Is ‘Supported Housing’?

‘Supported housing’ is any housing scheme where “housing, support and sometimes care services are provided to help people to live as independently as possible in the community”. Supported housing users include those who would otherwise be homeless (including those at risk of domestic abuse); older people and people with disabilities (many of whom would otherwise be living in long-term care or hospital settings).

The Supported Housing Sector Is Growing

At the end of 2015, there were approximately 651,500 accommodation-based supported housing units in Britain;

• 85% in England
• 9% in Scotland
• 6% in Wales

Note: A unit refers to either a room or bedspace in shared supported housing or a self-contained supported housing unit.

• An estimated 71% of units across Britain house older people
• Across both working-age and older people’s provision, housing associations are the most prevalent landlords and providing 71% of all supported housing units.
• Supported housing accounts for 14% of all social rented housing stock across Britain (1)

The supported housing sector provides “exceptional value for money to the UK taxpayer with government estimating that supported housing saves £3.5bn annually through lower costs for the NHS, social care and criminal justice systems”. More importantly, it “plays a vital role in improving the quality of life for vulnerable people who deeply value this provision and the contribution it makes to their independence and wellbeing”.

Supported housing is a growing sector. In May 2017 demand is outstripping supply with at least 17,000 more supported homes needed and this is set to double by 2020-21.

Proposed Changes To Supported Housing Sector Funding

At present the majority of supported housing tenants have their rent met in full by housing benefit, with additional costs for support and care paid through local authority budgets. In its new proposals, the government proposes to implement a system where rents are capped at the Local Housing Allowance (LHA) level – a mechanism used to determine limits on housing benefits in the private rented sector – with top-up funding for additional costs made available through local authorities.

However, major concerns have been raised by supported housing providers and MPs who continue to lobby the government’s DWP (Department of Work and Pensions) about potential “damaging changes” proposed by the government in autumn 2016 which will change how supported housing is funded in Britain.

David Orr, Chief Executive of the National Housing Federation in September 2016 expressed concern about the proposed model;

“We want to put supported housing on a secure and sustainable footing for the long-term and we are not confident that the new system will guarantee this,” (2)

There is real concern that the government’s new funding proposals will do significant damage, with providers unable to invest to build new accommodation and, in some cases having to close existing services.

Proposed Changes To Supported Housing Sector Funding – Scotland

In Scotland the impact of proposed changes in funding for people in supported accommodation would be a shortfall of between £4.3m and £5.6m a year were housing benefit to be capped for those living in supported housing, according to estimates by the SHFA (Scottish Federation of Housing Associations).

Mary Taylor, Chief Executive of the, SHFA also said;

“The DWP’s intention to hand over supported accommodation funds to Holyrood means it is more important than ever that the Scottish Government sets out its initial position in relation to this critical issue especially given the its ambitious target to build 50,000 more affordable homes, some of which will have to be for supported accommodation” (3)

Supported Housing – Alternative Funding Proposal

It is acknowledged by most on the sector that the current system needs changed. An alternative recommendation has since been put forward by a House of Commons Inquiry committee (taking into account the views of residents, providers and local authorities) is that the government should “abandon the LHA rate and implement a new supported housing allowance, banded to reflect the actual costs of providing supported housing and sufficient to ensure residents only require top-up funding in exceptional circumstances” (4)

The government has delayed the introduction of the new system until 2019/2020.

Ten Live – Care Sector Recruitment Specialist

Ten Live is a leading (preferred) supplier of permanent, temporary and contract staff to the care sector including housing associations and charities across the UK. We are a trusted recruitment partner of choice and well-networked with housing associations, charities and sector experienced professionals.

Our in-depth sector experience, knowledge and investment in understanding our care clients’ staffing needs, together with excellent 24/7 service are key to ensuring we source the right staff for your organisation, from care support workers to senior management and admin services staff.

Here’s what one of our clients, a Manager in Supported Housing in Scotland has to say about Ten Live…

Get In Touch With Our Expert Care Sector Recruitment Team
E: info@tenlivegroup.com
Tel: +44 (0) 1236 702 007

SOURCES
Gov UK
Inside Housing
Holyrood
The Guardian