Our response to Government consultation on future funding for supported housing

We are today publishing our full response sent as part of the Government consultation regarding plans for a new housing costs funding model for supported housing. From 2019, the policy intention is for an element of funding for housing costs in individual services to come via the benefits system (capped at Local Housing Allowance [LHA] levels) and an element via local government (‘the local top-up’). We have significant concerns about the proposal and the impact it could have on our ability to provide long-term quality housing to those who need it – particularly those who have a learning disability or mental health condition.

Transferring central funding to councils in the way described does not offer long-term protection for this funding to be used to provide the services needed and will inevitably see councils challenged to use such funding to meet other priorities. The consultation process has formally closed and Government is analysing the feedback from us and many others. We expect to hear detail about the final proposals in the near future. We will continue to work to raise our concerns about the proposals as set out by Government and do all we can to protect the welfare of current and future customers who need our services.