Supported Housing Task and Finish Group Summary Report
This sub-group of the Homelessness Prevention and Strategy Group was set up to consider the future role of supported housing for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. This is a summary of the main report.
4. Current picture of supported housing
4.1 A survey of local authorities gathered current information on supported housing provided as a response to homelessness in their area. The survey asked who owns the buildings, who provides the on-site support and for whom, and how much it costs (please see full report for data breakdown and estimate future demand).
4.2 28 of 32 local authorities responded. 19 local authorities confirmed they commissioned a total of 115 supported housing projects. And while most local authorities plan to continue to provide supported housing, short-term contracts and frequent recommissioning processes are routine.
4.3 The vast majority of buildings supported housing is provided from are owned by the local authority or an RSL; over 80% (19 areas) according to the survey undertaken for this report. Most on-site support is provided by third sector organisations.
4.4 The local authority is usually the planner and commissioner of supported housing. It is common for RSLs and the third sector to jointly provide it, either through (i) leasing arrangements, with the third sector responsible for management of housing and support; or (ii) shared management, where the RSL retains responsibility for property management and the third sector provides on-site support.
4.5 Over half of supported housing would need some or a full refurbishment to meet optimal physical standards described in this report. Only one third do not currently require residents to share a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen or living space.