Supported Housing: Guidance for local authorities in England

The Local Government Association has published this guidance for local authorities on supported housing ahead of the Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act (SHROA). The guidance aims to support councils to prepare effectively for the implementation of the act by improving oversight, strengthening provider relationships, and ultimately ensuring better outcomes for residents.
It draws on examples of existing good practice and sets out clear steps that councils can take immediately, as well as actions to consider in the short, medium and long term. It is organised around five key themes:
- Developing a strategy and needs assessment
- Optimising internal relationships
- Optimising external relationships
- Achieving a compliance and collaboration balance
- Placing residents at the centre of supported housing
Each section contains practical recommendations, suggested tools and example checklists to support implementation. The aim is not to be prescriptive but to help councils identify which levers are available to them now, and which can be built over time, depending on local priorities and capacity.
Resources have been included in this guidance in the form of checklists, external links and appendices. This includes key tools such as an example Housing Benefit (HB) claims checklist, Specified Exempt Accommodation (SEA) support audit template and links to wider literature.
And with SHROA introducing new powers and responsibilities for local authorities including a licensing regime that will bring greater clarity and consistency to standards across the sector, it presents an opportunity for councils to shape supported housing in their area in a way that reflects local values and needs, while ensuring that residents with complex needs receive the support they require in safe, high-quality accommodation.
To support Housing LIN members, we have also created a dedicated resource page on SHROA here.