"This is an important first step to addressing councils’ concerns about the quality, costs and oversight of some supported housing accommodation. We also look forward to seeing the detail of the pilot work."
Responding to new funding and guidance announced by the Government to improve housing support for vulnerable people, Cllr Ian Hudspeth, Chairman of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board, said:
“It is good the Government has set out measures to improve housing support for vulnerable people, with a national statement of expectation. This is an important first step to addressing councils’ concerns about the quality, costs and oversight of some supported housing accommodation. We also look forward to seeing the detail of the pilot work.
“Councils want to help people in vulnerable circumstances to live fulfilling and healthy lives as independently as possible in the community. This includes being able to live in a safe and suitable home, with personalised support for practical and any care needs.
“The forthcoming Spending Review is an opportunity for government to sustainably fund the housing accommodation and support costs of all types of supported housing, encourage a diverse range of providers, and to fully fund councils to have the lead role in overseeing and ensuring supported housing is good quality, value for money and fits in with wider local services such as homelessness prevention.”
Notes to editors
Councils in England face a funding gap of more than £5 billion by 2024 to maintain services at current levels - this figure could double amid the huge economic and societal uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The LGA’s detailed submission to the Comprehensive Spending Review sets out how £10 billion is needed to not only plug this gap but meet growing demand pressures and improve services for communities.