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

Senior Project Manager (Regeneration)

West Yorkshire Combined Authority
£49,359 to £56,057 per annum (pay award pending) – Grade 9
With ambitious goals ahead, we need dedicated individuals who are ready to make a real impact as part of our expanding Housing team Leeds / Hybrid
Recuriter: West Yorkshire Combined Authority

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerPermanent, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerFixed Term, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

HR Advisor - Pay & Policy (Career Grade)

Wakefield Council
Grade 9 - Grade 10, Career Grade, 24 hours, Permanent
Are you ready to make a difference and shape policies that foster a high performing and inclusive workplace? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Leisure Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£12,013.50 - £12,202.00, Grade 3, 18.5 hours, Permanent
Are You Ready to Make a Difference in Your Community? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner