Supported housing: a smart investment that changes lives and saves money

Supported housing gives people the stability and tailored support they need to live more independently. For emh, as we support this year’s Supported Housing Week, (opens new window) providing high-quality care and supported housing is also a practical investment in stronger communities and more sustainable public services.

Supported housing is often viewed as a cost to the public purse, but the evidence shows that its value is much wider. It helps people live more independently, prevents crises and reduces demand on health, social care, homelessness and criminal justice services. Research from government, housing bodies, health organisations and the Housing Learning and Improvement Network (Housing LIN) consistently shows that supported accommodation is one of the most effective preventative interventions available. [gov.uk] (opens new window), [housinglin.org.uk]

National Housing Federation research estimates that supported housing in England saves the public purse around £3.5 billion a year by preventing more costly hospital stays, residential care, rough sleeping, temporary accommodation and criminal justice involvement. Meeting projected demand by 2040 could increase those annual savings to £6 billion. [housing.org.uk] (opens new window), [housing.org.uk] (opens new window), [housing.org.uk] (opens new window)

These savings arise because supported housing prevents crisis before it occurs. Without it, residential care for a person with learning disabilities can average £86,662 per person per year, while delayed discharge and prolonged hospital stays for someone with mental health needs can cost around £687 per night. [housing.org.uk] (opens new window)

The government’s Supported Housing Review 2023 supports this. The review found that supported housing enables people with a range of needs to live as independently as possible. It also identified a significant national shortfall, with hundreds of thousands of additional supported homes likely to be needed over coming decades to meet growing demand. [gov.uk] (opens new window)

Further research from Housing LIN and the UK Collaborative Centre for Housing Evidence links supported housing with stronger tenancy sustainment, reduced loneliness, better health and lower demand on public services. It enables people to live in their communities while reducing pressure on health and social care budgets, and lower demand on public services. [housing.org.uk] (opens new window), [housingevidence.ac.uk] (opens new window)

This national evidence reflects what emh sees through its own care services and supported housing. By providing good-quality homes alongside the right support, we help people maintain their independence, sustain their tenancies and remain connected to their communities. That preventative role matters not only to the people who draw on our services, but also to the health, care and local authority partners facing growing demand.

With councils, the NHS and adult social care under increasing pressure, supported housing should be recognised as essential social infrastructure. The evidence is consistent: it improves lives, promotes independence and prevents more expensive interventions. Long-term investment is both the right thing to do and a smart economic choice. [publications.parliament.uk] (opens new window), [housing.org.uk] (opens new window), [housinglin.org.uk]

---

emh are proud to support the Housing LIN and the East Midlands’ knowledge exchange programme in particular.

emh operates a large portfolio of statutory care services and supported housing across the communities we serve, helping people access good-quality homes and support that can improve their opportunities over the long term. To sustain and extend that contribution, supported housing must be properly valued and backed by appropriate, fair funding. That investment will enable providers to continue improving lives, supporting independence and helping public services prevent more costly crises.

Lastly, if you found this of interest and want to know more about supported housing, visit the Housing LIN’s dedicated webpages.