Source · Select Committees · Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee
Recommendation 18
18
Deferred
Paragraph: 97
The former Minister was reluctant to consider changes to the planning system, arguing that some...
Conclusion
The former Minister was reluctant to consider changes to the planning system, arguing that some councils are having successes with the planning tools available Exempt Accommodation 49 to them, and that raising the overall quality will reduce the negative impacts on communities and in turn reduce the need to control the spread of exempt accommodation. However, our evidence pointed out that there is a limit to what local strategies for exempt accommodation can achieve without planning reforms. Councils need the ability to manage supply in line with locally assessed need. They need to be able to balance the provision of much needed family housing. They also need the ability to control the density of exempt accommodation because areas of high concentration can attract those with malicious intent to exploit vulnerable residents.
Government Response Summary
While not planning changes to use classes immediately, the government will require local authorities to produce local supported housing strategies and will review the need for planning reform in 3 years, potentially creating a separate use class for exempt accommodation.
Paragraph Reference:
97
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
48. It is important that local areas plan to meet local need for supported housing and that registered social landlords are not overburdened with additional requirements above what is already in place. However, the Government recognises that some local authorities feel powerless to prevent new supported housing provision that is not required or that does not align with strategic plans. We believe that the local housing authority licensing schemes and national support standards are the best way to ensure that the right provision in the right places is ensured. These measures are targeted at the problem we are seeing with poor quality provision. Where local authorities implement a licensing scheme this will supersede Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) licensing. 49. While there are no plans to make changes to the use classes, we recognise that local areas want to plan effectively to meet local need. Therefore, the Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Bill includes a proposed duty for local authorities to produce local supported housing strategies. This will enable local authorities to map supported housing supply and demand and will provide LAs and the Government with a strategic view of provision. 50.T he Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) Secretary of State has committed to undertake a review of the effect of licensing schemes on accommodation and support within 3 years after the regulations are made. At this stage, a determination will be made as to whether planning reform is required through creating a separate use class for exempt accommodation.