Our Top 5 Priorities for 2026 - No. 5 Independent Living: Raising the profile and the need for better supported housing choices
As we step into 2026, our focus is on creating homes and communities that are inclusive, resilient and future-ready. From accessible housing and intergenerational living, to healthier neighbourhoods, digital readiness, and better supported housing, our 5 top priorities highlight where action matters most.
Prioriy No 5. No. 5 Independent Living: Raising the profile and the need for better supported housing choices
The Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act (or SHROA) places new duties on local authorities to improve the standard of independent living and supported housing for older and vulnerable people and to develop a strategic plan for such accommodation in their areas. With SHROA guidance due out this spring and expected to give clarity on carrying out assessments, seen together with the recent National Planning Policy Framework consultation - with one of its proposals to require councils to give figures on the need for all specialist housing in their plans - the quality of existing independent living and supported housing and the future demand for it will be even more in the spotlight this year.
Drawing on the Housing LIN’s sector report for the Learning Disability and Autism Housing Network and our work with Ipsos on Older People’s Housing Preferences, our quantitative and qualitative data and market intelligence are already supporting many local authorities to better understand the supported and specialist housing provision in their area, identify sector improvement and enabling them to develop their statutory plans.
How can we help you?
For information on the range of supported housing resources curated by Housing LIN, visit our dedicated webpages.
To talk to us about how you are preparing for SHROA or to discuss your requirements, click here or email us at consultancy@housinglin.org.uk (opens new window).
Lastly, building on the HAPPI and TAPPI principles, each of our top 5 priority themes for 2026 is also shaped by the core areas that will form a fundamental part of our Vivensa Foundation-funded SHAPE Exchange programme over the next 5 years. More details will be out soon to coincide with our annual conferences in Newcastle and Bristol.