Unlocking the Doors to Supported Housing

Written by Sir David Pearson, Independent Chair of the Government’s Supported Housing Advisory Panel and a former ADASS President, Housing LIN Viewpoint No. 122 explains why supported housing is fundamental to the life chances of people who need housing with person-centred care, support and supervision.

Sir David describes a diverse sector, spanning people experiencing homelessness, those at risk of domestic abuse and people with learning disabilities, in which complex, incremental funding rules can act as a barrier to much-needed provision. He outlines the Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act 2023, including the requirement for Local Supported Housing Strategies by the end of March 2027 and a new licensing scheme aligned with national standards.

The Viewpoint concludes that, while there are great providers, there is too much poor quality accommodation and not enough of the right provision, and that success will depend on housing, health, care and justice partners acting together around a common purpose.