HLINks Weekly: Housing, Health and Social Care Latest News

News Highlights

Housing LIN celebrates in the sun at the House of Lords

With sincere thanks to Lord Richard Best for hosting the Housing LIN’s reception on the House of Lords’ Terrace last week, we were delighted to celebrate this annual event and also to present certificates to the 5th cohort of Future Leaders, who recently completed this rewarding year-long programme.

We were joined by Mark Washer, Group CEO at programme sponsors SNG, who presented the certificates, and also by Vivensa Foundation’s Katy Saunders, who talked about the SHAPE Exchange and the shape of things to come with this new UK partnership with the Housing LIN.

• Read the full story

AI in specialist/supported housing survey

In order to attract more member responses, the deadline for completing this important survey on AI in specialist/supported housing has been extended to 5pm, Monday 27 July 2026. Please have your say at the link below.

• Take part in the survey

Resource Roundup

ADASS Spring Survey 2026

The Association of Directors of Adult Social Services have published the findings from their annual Spring Survey highlighting that rising adult social care needs and the cost of care mean councils have overspent on budgets by £715 million. While housing and technology are recognised as important preventative solutions, it shows councils are supporting an increasing number of adults who have complex care needs.

• Read on

LGA case study on The Accessible Housing Review: West Midlands Combined Authority

This LGA case study features a review commissioned to support WMCA’s aim to deliver better quality housing for disabled people with the goal of reducing health inequalities in the region, as part of its wellbeing delivery priorities.

The resultant report aimed to make the case for embedding inclusion and accessibility more deeply into WMCA’s housing strategy, helping to close the gap in health and housing inequalities across the region.

• Find out more

Ordinary Accessibility: Redesigning the Private Rented Sector Through Lived Experience

This new case study, developed through the Intersectional Stigma of Place-Based Ageing (ISPA) project, demonstrates how small, process-driven changes and inclusive design can have transformative effects on accessibility in the private rented sector (PRS); reframing accessible features as assets rather than something that detracts from the property.

• Read the report

HAPPI Hour recording available: Housing LIN Scotland – A manifesto for older people’s housing

Last week's HAPPI Hour webinar was essential viewing, bringing together sector leaders to explore housing innovation, best practice and the future of accessible housing in Scotland.

From an overview of the Accessible Homes for Scotland manifesto, to in-depth learning from the Envision project, and a vision for the future in Norscot's WellBe Homes, the discussion was packed with information and insights from a great panel of speakers.

• Watch the recording + download slides

What else caught our interest...

• Almshouse Association research news: Landmark partnership with Innovate UK, the University of Suffolk, and the Knowledge Transfer Partnership
• Bdaily news: Funding helps unlock 34-home Sunderland scheme [Housing LIN CEO was a judge in the Home of 2030 competition]
• Centre for Ageing Better reports: A Tale of Two 60s
• Habinteg: Campaign group sends open letter on accessible housing to Secretary of State, Steve Reed MP
• Housing Benefit guidance: Supported housing residents to keep more of what they earn under new rules
• Impact Guru article: Predictive Commissioning in Adult Social Care: Using Data to Anticipate Demand, Risk and System Pressure
• National Apartment Association feature [USA news]: Senior Housing Trends in 2026
• Nature Communications research paper: Investigating relationships between loneliness, social isolation and health
• New Local calling: Towards a sustainable future for supported housing: call for stories
• Newcastle City Council consultation: Your Voice: Supported Housing in Newcastle upon Tyne
• NHS Highlands article: New model of care to bring flexible, community-led support to Ardnamurchan
• Public Policy Projects report: Harness connected data to develop a relational, household lens to neighbourhood health
• Royal College of Occupational Therapists tool: Building Health into Homes: Practitioner Toolkit
• Shelter Scotland report: More Homes Scotland 2026
• SNG standards: The Homes and Place standard
• World Economic Forum report: The Longevity Dividend: The Business Case for Linking Health and Wealth

Dates for your diary

HAPPI Hour webinars

• Building Health into Homes: how occupational therapy can unlock the connection between housing and health on 21st July, 4pm - 5pm
• Creating Safe and Supportive Housing Environments on 28th July, 4pm - 5pm

While free to attend for Housing LIN members, spaces are limited. Reserve your place today and join us for inspiring conversations, fresh insights and engaging ideas.

Other Events supported by the Housing LIN

Looking Ahead: The Future of Residential Design

We are pleased to promote the last in this series of informal workshops from P+HS Architects exploring the future of housing - from regulation and sustainability to wellbeing and housing quality.

The final session will take place in: 

• Bradford (21 July)

• Visit our events page for more details

Looking for trusted housing, care and support expertise?

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From needs assessments and strategy development to research, evaluation and service improvement, we provide tailored support grounded in evidence, policy insight and practical experience to shape your strategic and operational plans.

To discuss how we can help, please email consultancy@housinglin.org.uk or find out more about our Research and Advisory Services.