Research: Specialised Supported Housing for people with learning disabilities in England

Mencap has commissioned the Housing LIN to undertake research in relation to ‘Specialised Supported Housing’ and specifically an assessment of this category of supported provision covering:

  • the size of the specialised supported housing sector
  • the number and characteristics of people needing the kind of housing provision that is currently funded via the specialised supported housing route now and in the future
  • why these individuals need this kind of provision.

Specialised Supported Housing is provided by housing organisations that are Registered Providers (registered with the Homes & Communities Agency) typically where specific criteria are met including:

  • the scheme offers a high level of support for clients, for whom the only acceptable alternative public or voluntary sector options are care homes, and
  • no, or negligible, public subsidy has been received, whether in the form of grant or free land, and
  • the scheme has been commissioned in line with local health and social services strategies and priorities.

This research is intended to provide an evidence base about this important category of supported housing during a period when very significant decisions are likely to be made about changes to the current system for funding supported housing from April 2019, to ensure that this type of housing will continue to be available, enabling even those with the most complex needs to access a home in the community in a timely manner.

A key aim of this research is to identify the full scale of this specific category of supported housing.

If your organisation is:

  • A Registered Provider that provides Specialised Supported Housing
  • A care provider that works with a Registered Provider (typically a housing association) that provides Specialised Supported Housing
  • A lender or investor that funds Specialised Supported Housing

Please get in touch with the Housing LIN at info@housinglin.org.uk

We would very much like to discuss this research with you in more detail and what your organisation provides.

We look forward to hearing from you

With thanks

The Housing LIN team