Survey shows one in five may have to stop supported housing altogether
More than half of supported housing providers surveyed by the National Housing Federation say that without a new long-term funding commitment some of their schemes are likely to close.
The National Housing Federation (NHF) received responses from 126 members that provide supported housing, which together own more than half (55%) of all supported housing stock owned by housing associations in England.
Of these, 56% said long-term funding was needed to avoid decommissioning schemes, while a fifth (22%) said they might have to consider ending supported housing provision altogether.
Supported housing is low-cost rental accommodation which is provided to people who need specialised supported, designed or altered in order to meet those needs, and provided in conjunction with necessary support services.
It includes, among other things, sheltered accommodation, extra care housing, domestic violence refuges, homeless hostels, and housing facilities to support those with disability, addiction issues, or mental health problems.
In total, the NHF estimates that more than 50,000 homes could be at risk of closure or decommissioning, which would constituted 13% of supported housing stock owned by housing associations in England.
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Last year’s survey showed that one in three supported housing providers had been forced to close schemes in the previous 12 months due to funding pressures, while three in five were planning to close schemes in the future.
No specific funding was announced for supported services in June’s spending review.
The NHF urged the government to commit to “long-term, sustainable funding” for supported services in supported homes at the Autumn Budget and in the upcoming housing and homelessness strategies.
It suggested creating an emergency fund to prevent schemes closing their doors this year and allocating a significant portion of funding from the new Social and Affordable Homes Programme to building new supported and older persons’ housing.
The NHF, along with other sector bodies including the Chartered Institute of Housing, has also voiced concern over the government’s proposals to introduce a licensing scheme for supported housing.
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