Laura Sharman 09 August 2018

Supported housing to be funded by welfare system

Council leaders have welcomed the announcement that supported housing will be funded through housing benefit.

The Local Government Association (LGA) said the decision will give councils the certainty to invest and sustain supported housing.

‘A sustainable funding model for supported housing is critical to ensuring councils can reduce homelessness and help older and other vulnerable people,’ said Cllr Izzi Seccombe, chairman of the LGA’s Community Wellbeing Board.

‘It is, however, crucial that councils have the leading role in overseeing and ensuring the provision of housing for vulnerable groups is good quality, value for money, and fits in with the wider local services offered in places.’

Housing minister, Kit Malthouse, said: 'Protection of the most vulnerable has always been our primary concern, and following our consultation, the case for keeping supported housing in the welfare system became clear.'

The Government also announced it would work with local authorities to develop a ‘robust’ oversight regime and would review housing related support.

David Orr, chief executive of the National Housing Federation, described the announcement as a 'hugely welcome decision'.

'After years of uncertainty, we are delighted that housing costs will remain in the social security system for all supported housing, sheltered and extra care,' he said.

'The sector has worked together to demonstrate the value of supported housing, ensuring the Government understood the need to protect these homes and services and put a funding model in place that would encourage future development.

'This announcement means that hundreds of thousands of people, many of whom are vulnerable, will continue to receive the support they need by right, through the social security system. It gives them the certainty and security they need and deserve.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Residential Worker

Essex County Council
£27934.00 - £35344.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Residential WorkerPermanent, Full Time£27,934 up to £35,344 Per Annum (includes allowance) equal to £14.48 to £18.32 Per HourLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Early Years Keyworker

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£37,068 - £38,058
Want to make a difference for children with special educational needs in Greenwich? Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Early Years Area SENCo

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£39,855 - £42,324
Have you got extensive experience in working within Early Years, with a clear understanding of child development Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Young Persons Substance Misuse Service Pathfinder

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£31,524 - £32,931
Are you looking to change the lives of young people? Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Senior Regulatory Compliance Officer

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£37,068 - £38,058
You will be an apprentice embedded within the Trading Standards team. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich
Linkedin Banner