NHF response to the LUHC committee report on exempt accommodation

Catherine Ryder, Director of Policy and Research at the National Housing Federation, says:

“Supported housing provides homes and services to many vulnerable people including those fleeing domestic violence, people with learning disabilities and people at risk of homelessness.

"Exempt accommodation is one part of the sector and many exempt accommodation providers deliver high quality services and homes that are desperately needed. However, due to the gaps in funding and regulation rogue providers have been able to enter this part of the market, resulting in some residents living in disgraceful and unacceptable conditions. We agree this needs to be addressed urgently.

"We welcome the Commission’s thorough exploration of why this has arisen and what should be done about it.

"We strongly support interventions that will stop these providers operating, such as transparency over ownership structures and governance and stronger consumer regulation. We must also protect the good quality provision for those who rely on supported housing, including the homes and services delivered by small specialist providers who already operate under very challenging circumstances. Alongside this, it is important that there is proper funding for support, so new supported housing can be provided that will meet the unmet need that exists across the country.”