Recommendations & Conclusions
5 items
11
Recommendation
Third Report - Exempt Accommodation
Accepted in Part
We recommend that a National Oversight Committee be urgently established to address the oversight issues relating to exempt accommodation. Among its functions we expect that it would coordinate awareness of emerging issues, inform the development of policy in this area and develop proposals for reform of the regulatory system. The …
Government response. The government will establish a Supported Housing Advisory Panel through the Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Bill to provide information and advice on the regulatory oversight of supported housing and bring together key stakeholders.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
16
Recommendation
Third Report - Exempt Accommodation
Accepted in Part
Providers of exempt accommodation are supposed to be not-for-profit, and there are many responsible providers, some of whom gave evidence to us. However, we also heard that the current system offers a licence to print money to those who wish to exploit it. We do not agree with the former …
Government response. The government agrees costs should be more transparent and will improve transparency through the Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Bill; DWP intends to change Housing Benefit regulations to define ‘care, support and supervision’ to help local authorities drive up standards and …
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
19
Recommendation
Third Report - Exempt Accommodation
Accepted in Part
The Government, in its written ministerial statement in March and in evidence to us, said it intends to take forward measures that will include new powers for local authorities to better manage their local supported housing market. We recommend that these measures include planning reforms that would assist councils to …
Government response. While there are no plans to make changes to use classes, the Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Bill includes a proposed duty for local authorities to produce local supported housing strategies, and the Secretary of State will review the effect of …
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
22
Recommendation
Third Report - Exempt Accommodation
Accepted in Part
The multitude of models of exempt accommodation produces a complex landscape with no guarantee of quality. We have heard concerns about the quality of non- commissioned exempt accommodation, but have also been provided with good examples of specialist non-commissioned providers. Likewise, in the absence of data, it has not been …
Government response. The government is introducing the Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Bill to improve oversight and enable local authority licensing schemes, and will consult on additional measures to ensure compliance with national support standards. However, they believe these measures are better than …
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
23
Recommendation
Third Report - Exempt Accommodation
Accepted in Part
We also recommend that action be taken to address this complex landscape, by making it compulsory for all providers to be registered. A mechanism is required to ensure that there is better quality provision and that standards are maintained. Good providers will have nothing to fear from registration, while the …
Government response. The government states the Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Bill will improve oversight via licensing schemes, and will consult on additional measures to ensure compliance with national standards. They do not agree with mandatory registration with the Regulator of Social Housing, …
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government