Source · Select Committees · Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee
Recommendation 19
19
Accepted in Part
Paragraph: 98
The Government, in its written ministerial statement in March and in evidence to us, said...
Recommendation
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 implement local strategies for exempt accommodation based on an assessment of need.
Government Response Summary
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 licensing schemes in 3 years to determine if planning reform is required.
Paragraph Reference:
98
Government Response
Accepted in Part
HM Government
Accepted in Part
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.