Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 17
17
Accepted
New Act grants local authorities non-mandatory powers to implement supported housing licensing schemes.
Conclusion
The Act intends to improve the quality of supported housing and give local authorities more control of supported housing in local areas. It does this through giving local authorities powers to create licensing schemes for providers of exempt accommodation, including provisions to restrict or remove Housing Benefit.34 The licensing scheme will not be mandatory for local authorities to implement but those that do will be able to ensure higher quality standards by holding housing providers to specific licensing conditions.35
Government Response Summary
The government agrees, stating DLUHC will publish a consultation in early 2024 on the detailed design of measures within the Supported Housing Act, including new burdens funding and guidance for local authorities implementing licensing schemes.
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.