Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 11
11
Accepted
Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Bill has become an Act to improve sector standards.
Conclusion
DLUHC told us that the sector “is not working as well as it should” and that the Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Bill, as it then was, would bring in important reforms.18 The Bill focused on exempt accommodation (mostly short-term supported housing that is exempt from locally set Housing Benefit caps) and include a range of measures that aim to drive out rogue providers and improve the quality of supported housing.19 Key stakeholders welcomed the intention of the Bill to raise standards in supported housing.20 The Bill received Royal Assent in June 2023 to become an Act of Parliament.
Government Response Summary
The government agrees, stating 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, including new burdens funding and guidance for local authorities.
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.