Recommendation 9

The patchwork regulation of exempt accommodation has too many holes. We recognise that the exempt accommodation sector is complex with different types of providers, therefore requiring the involvement of multiple regulators. But some providers do not fall under the remit of any regulator, and no regulator has complete oversight of the different elements of exempt accommodation. Later in this report we recommend that all providers be registered, which would mean their oversight of economic and consumer standards was undertaken by the Regulator of Social Housing. We are particularly concerned about the fact that the “care, support, or supervision” element is unregulated except in the specific and limited circumstances where it falls within the Care Quality Commission’s remit. We welcome the Government’s commitment to exploring the regulatory regime to identify whether there are any gaps—but evidence to us expressed total unanimity as to the fact that gaps exist. (Paragraph 58) Exempt Accommodation 47