Authors

Our national housing and homelessness practice is based in our South West office, often working at the intersection of health, care, housing and communities. On 28th October 2024, we hosted a roundtable with housing and support professionals from across the South West of England.

The conversation provided a space for sharing experiences, challenges and examples of best practice; and the collaborative development of practical recommendations. Following the recent Budget, and with one in three providers forced to close schemes in the last year, this is an urgent and delicate time for the sector.

Attendees discussed the complex challenges facing the sector, and how these present barriers to effective interventions and solutions; but also the importance of practical steps we can take, not just for individuals and families, but for the wider sustainability of public services and society as a whole. The following is a summary of the roundtable discussions.

Key Themes Discussed

1. Local Commitments

  • Promote successful models: Share approaches such as Bristol’s Specialised Supported Housing framework to inspire other regions.
  • Adopt a whole-system approach: Engage stakeholders from health, housing, and social care for coordinated solutions.
  • Improve data standards: Work with Adult Social Care to ensure consistent data on accommodation status and tenure.
  • Support providers across regions: Ensure stable regulations for housing providers operating across local boundaries.
  • Demystify housing processes: Simplify regulations to encourage more providers to enter the sector.
  • Highlight economic impact: Conduct research on the cost of inaction and its effects on health and care services.

2. National Asks

  • Establish a national framework: Coordinate housing delivery between Local Authorities and NHS Integrated Care Boards.
  • Update Housing Benefit guidance: Modernise regulations to reflect current living standards and service needs.
  • Amend the Rent Standard: Allow Local Authorities to benefit from Registered Provider status for local housing initiatives.
  • Centralise funding: Create a dedicated funding stream for vulnerable groups needing specialist housing.
  • Incorporate digital infrastructure: Make broadband access a standard feature in all supported housing.
  • Address new regulations: Ensure new laws, such as the Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act, do not deter providers.

3. Challenges & Opportunities

  • Funding complexities: Targeting funds effectively and leveraging innovative local solutions, such as pension funds, is essential.
  • Service charge barriers: Inconsistent regulations across Local Authorities create financial uncertainty for providers.
  • Technology integration: Outdated systems and digital poverty hinder progress, despite significant potential for improvement.
  • Risk management: Without clear plans for high-risk individuals, many remain excluded from housing.
  • Rising temporary accommodation costs: Diverts resources from long-term, preventative housing solutions.

The roundtable emphasised the need for national reforms, particularly around funding and regulation, and encouraged the sector to embrace technology and innovation. By working collaboratively, stakeholders can overcome barriers and ensure sustainable, high-quality housing for vulnerable communities.