More than 50,000 specialist homes in England for people with support needs—around 1 in 10—are at imminent risk of closure due to ongoing funding pressures, the National Housing Federation (NHF) has warned.
The NHF surveyed 126 not-for-profit supported housing providers, representing over half of housing association-supported homes, and found that 56% have schemes that could close without urgent increases in funding.
Nearly a quarter (22%) of providers told the NHF they may have to shut all services entirely.
Supported housing allows people with complex needs—including mental health conditions, learning disabilities, young people leaving care, and survivors of abuse—to live independently, while reducing pressure on the NHS, social care, and other public services.
The NHF warned that without intervention, tens of thousands could face homelessness, increased hospital stays, or even prison.
Kate Henderson, chief executive of the National Housing Federation, said: ‘The Government must urgently come up with a plan to identify long-term, sustainable funding, alongside emergency funding for supported housing, to prevent more schemes having to close their doors. The Government has a chance to reverse the damage and in doing so drive growth, and safeguard thousands of people’s futures.’
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