Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 10
10
Accepted
Inadequate regulation of exempt accommodation permits widespread provision of substandard housing.
Conclusion
Exempt accommodation can provide much-needed homes and support including for people recovering from drug or alcohol dependence; at risk of or transitioning to or from homelessness; or on release from the criminal justice system. However, the NAO found that some areas, such as Birmingham, have seen increasing numbers of landlords who circumvent the regulations, enabling them to profit by providing costly sub- standard housing with little or no support, supervision or care.15 Regulation of exempt accommodation is patchy and there are gaps meaning that some providers of supported housing have less scrutiny. In written evidence submitted to this Committee, the Local Government Association (LGA) told us of an increase in vulnerable people being housed in poor-quality houses of multiple occupancy, with unsuitable or no additional support 8 Q67 9 Q 3 10 Q33 and C&AG’s Report, The Affordable Homes Programme since 2015, Session 2022–23, HC 652, 8 September 2022 11 Q 28 12 Q 55 13 Levelling Up, Housing & Communities Committee Report, Exempt Accommodation, Third Report of Session 2022–23, HC 21, 27 October 2022 14 Levelling Up, Housing & Communities Committee Report, Exempt Accommodation, Third Report of Session 2022–23, HC 21, 27 October 2022 15 C&AG’s Report, para 2.11 10 Supported housing provided.16 It feels that this has had a significant, detrimental impact on vulnerable people. The Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) told us that “the impact of poor-quality provision is felt most directly by residents within the schemes, and often also by local communities around them”.17
Government Response Summary
The government agrees, stating DLUHC will publish a consultation in early 2024 on the detailed design of measures from the Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act, including supporting local authorities with new burdens funding and guidance.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
2.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: Winter 2023 2.2 DLUHC will publish a consultation in early 2024 on the detailed design of the measures set out in the Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act 2023 (the Act). It is extremely important to hear from local authorities who will be implementing these measures, including locally led licensing schemes for supported housing and overseeing the enforcement of new National Supported Housing Standards. The government is mindful of any unintended consequences on vulnerable residents. 2.3 DLUHC will support local authorities in implementing measures in the Act including through new burdens funding. A new burdens assessment will be undertaken following the consultation. 2.4 DLUHC will also publish guidance alongside the National Supported Housing Standards and the licensing regime regulations to support local authorities in implementing these reforms and to ensure consistency. 2.5 DLUHC has written separately to the Committee in response to this recommendation.