Conclusion 5

It was clear from our evidence that the quality of provision of exempt accommodation varies greatly and that the poor quality provision puts already vulnerable residents at serious risk. The Government fears “unintended consequences” from further regulation and points to councils that have turned things around within the funding envelope and powers available to them. Yet we received compelling evidence that there need to be national standards for referrals, support, and accommodation and that local authorities are best placed to enforce them. For all the efforts and best 46 Exempt Accommodation practice that Birmingham council has implemented, we still met residents of exempt accommodation in Birmingham living in utterly appalling circumstances, nine months after the Government’s pilots concluded. Two years after the Government published its National Statement of Expectations on the quality of the housing element of exempt accommodation, there are still landlords providing unacceptably poor housing. We welcome the Government’s exploration with councils of referral pathways and its commitment to improving the definition of “care, support or supervision” and setting minimum standards. It is imperative that these standards are not optional.