Source · Select Committees · Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee
Recommendation 5
5
Accepted
Paragraph: 54
It was clear from our evidence that the quality of provision of exempt accommodation varies...
Conclusion
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.
Government Response Summary
The government will bring forward national standards for support and give local authorities the power to set up licensing schemes where there is poor quality supported housing; they will formally consult with the sector to develop these standards and licensing scheme as soon as possible after Royal Assent.
Paragraph Reference:
54
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
23.T he Government is aware that some local authorities want regulatory tools to challenge providers on the quality of support they provide to residents. The Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Bill will achieve this by bringing forward national standards for support and giving local authorities the power to set up licensing schemes where there is poor quality supported housing in their area. 24. Referral pathways, an assessment of prospective resident’s needs, and information provided to residents are important aspects of this work and we will look at these as part of the development of the licensing regulations and national standards for support. 25. We will formally consult with the sector and interested parties, including providers, local authorities, and residents of supported housing, to develop the licensing scheme and national standards for support as soon as possible after Royal Assent, publishing our plans once the Bill has commenced. 26. In addition, DLUHC and DWP are also working closely together to drive up quality in both supported housing and affordable housing more widely. As one part of this, the Government has been establishing the Building Safety Regulator, which will play a role in improving housing quality. 27.T he Government has also set an ambition to reduce non-decency in rented homes by 50% by 2030, with the biggest improvements in the lowest-performing areas. We are committed to reviewing the Decent Homes Standard that provides for minimum standards in the Social Rented Sector, as well as applying the DHS to the Private Rented Sector for the first time. We have also concluded our review of the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) and will publish a summary of the findings and agree next steps in due course.