An increasing number of landlords are being allowed to profit by providing costly, sub-standard housing with little or no support, supervision or care for vulnerable residents, according to the National Audit Office.
Its investigation into supported housing in England found gaps in data and regulation mean providers in some areas are receiving less scrutiny, with no direct regulation of the quality of support offered.
Supported housing accommodation is provided alongside support, supervision or care to those with specific needs, to live as independently as possible, including those who are elderly, have experienced homelessness or are living with disabilities.
A private members’ bill, introduced by Bob Blackman MP, is set to come into force by the summer, aimed at improving supported housing by developing national standards, requiring local authorities to review housing in their areas and creating licensing schemes for exempt accommodation.
Cllr Darren Rodwell, Housing Spokesperson for the LGA, said: “We share councils’ concern about the minority of unscrupulous landlords who exploit the supported housing system for financial gain, leaving people living in poor-quality accommodation with inadequate support.
“It has a detrimental impact on people’s lives and adds cost to the public purse.
“We will continue to support the development of the Government’s new Supported Housing Bill to ensure concerns around potential capacity and financial challenges for councils during implementation are addressed.”
