Holmes on Homes. It’s time to act and include housing as a key ingredient of a better future

Written by Phil Holmes, ADASS President and Director of Adults, Wellbeing and Culture at Doncaster Council, Housing LIN Viewpoint No. 120 makes the case for housing as a key ingredient of a better future for care and support. Phil reflects on the shifting relationship between adult social care and the NHS, and argues that the same step-change is needed between adult social care and housing, turning the mantra of making "every decision about adult social care a decision about housing" into action.

He contends that reform too often begins with service supply rather than people's needs, and points to the Social Care Future vision and authentic co-design and co-production as the right starting point. Quoting insights from a Torbay colleague, he explores shared strategic planning, long lead times for new social housing, the Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act 2023, who carries void and repair risk in specialist housing, and joint commissioning.

Phil also outlines ADASS's work on Disabled Facilities Grants and design standards for general-needs housing, and the need for housing to be integral to Neighbourhood Health. He concludes that, following the "Time to Act" roadmap, it is now time for housing to have its moment.