MHCLG issues framework which councils must have regard to when drawing up mandated local supported housing strategies
The Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) has welcomed guidance issued by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) that councils must have regard to when drawing up their local supported housing strategies.
Local authorities will be required, under the Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act 2023, to publish a local supported housing strategy by 31 March 2027 and then update it every five years.
The guidance issued by MHCLG last week outlines a framework to produce the strategies, which must consider the housing needs of the local population who require care or support to recover from or prevent a crisis, or live independently. MHCLG said the strategies “require collaboration with partners to understand the local landscape of supported housing, including supply, unmet need and future demand.”
The national framework set out in the guidance is structured around four components; strategic priorities, partnerships, needs assessments and a delivery plan (see box).
Sarah Davies, policy manager at the CIH, said the institute welcomes the guidance and said it is a “critical starting point” for the aim of improving supported housing as set out in the 2023 act.
She said: “We recognise the statutory focus will be on supported exempt accommodation, but welcome the opportunity the strategies provide, for local authorities and partners to look at the wider landscape of supported housing in their areas, given the valuable contribution for people who require both short- and long-term support to live independently.
“It’s imperative to understand this landscape, the quality of provision, and how it matches needs in local areas. It will give a valuable steer to providers to see the gaps and look to support councils in addressing these, and for councils to target much needed investment for those providers that are delivering high quality homes and support.”
MHCLG guidance
MHCLG’s guidance has set out a national framework for Local Supported Housing Strategies structured around four components.
It has set out the following brief overview of the process for Local Supported Housing Strategies:
1. Strategic priorities
- designate strategic lead(s)
- define the scope
2. Partnerships
- set-up partnership working and governance arrangements
3. Needs assessment
- assess supply and estimate demand
4. Delivery plan
- set delivery priorities and actions
- monitor progress
5. Publish strategy
- publish first strategy by the date set in regulation – the plan is for this date to be the 31 March 2027
- update and publish strategy at least every 5 years after the first strategy is published
Davies said it was important the government publish its consultation response swiftly and do further work on licensing and regulation of providers “to ensure the accuracy and quality” of the local strategies.
She said: “Developing the strategies may reveal further risk to a valuable sector which is struggling to sustain existing quality supported schemes. CIH has highlighted the real need for more and sustained investment in the sector, if we are to see the right services to match local needs and support people who need it.”
No comments yet