National policy context
There are a number of national policies affecting the supported housing sector and which will influence the delivery of this MPS.
3.1 Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act
The Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act makes provision for the regulation of supported exempt accommodation, and makes provision for local authority oversight of, and enforcement powers relating to, the provision of supported exempt accommodation. The Act gives the Council new statutory powers and duties to regulate supported housing locally. This MPS anticipates the Council’s expectation of a new statutory responsibility for identifying the need for supported housing (including for supported housing defined as ‘supported exempt accommodation’) and having a plan to meet these identified needs.
Over recent years long lease-based models of supported housing have come under scrutiny by the Regulator of Social Housing, particularly the governance and financial arrangements of some Registered Providers that lease all or most of their supported housing stock from other organisations.
The Council will take account of the regulatory status of providers of supported housing in its approach to managing the quality of supported housing services.
3.2 Adult social care policy
The Adult Social Care Reform White Paper includes a focus on housing, new models of care, digital and technology. A series of measures have been announced that specifically target the housing, housing with care, and technology markets with the aim of helping all people with care and support needs to live well, safely and independently.
The Council will work with providers of supported accommodation to ensure that preventative approaches, such as the more extensive use of care enabled technology, are used to support older people and other people with support needs to live independently, both in supported housing and in general needs housing.
The paper states that every decision about care should be a decision about housing and that the environment in which people live can have a real impact on their quality of life and how their social care needs are met.
3.3 Domestic abuse policy
The Domestic Abuse Act (2021) highlights the duty of local authorities to provide support in safe accommodation and definitions of safe accommodation. Safe accommodation is: Refuge; Dispersed properties; Sanctuary schemes (Safe at Home); and move-on accommodation. The associated statutory guidance recognises that alternative housing options, whether refuges, social housing, or private accommodation, are key to ensuring victims are able to escape domestic abuse. This strategy reflects this approach to safe accommodation.
3.4 Planning Policy
Government policy on Housing for older and disabled people guides councils in preparing planning policies on housing for older and disabled people. This policy is reflected in the identification of need for accessible homes and homes for both working age and older people.