BSHP Supported Housing Regulatory Oversight Act – Response
The Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act, which secured Royal Assent on 29 June 2023, gives the Secretary of State powers to introduce a licensing regime for supported housing, and the power to set National Supported Housing Standards for England. It places a duty on local housing authorities to produce supported housing strategies to understand current availability and future need for supported housing.
This consultation seeks views on how government will implement the measures and inform the drafting of regulations and accompanying guidance. It will also inform work by the Department for Work and Pensions on linking licensing to entitlement to claim Housing Benefit in England and also includes work to define care, support and supervision in Housing Benefit regulations for Great Britain.
During recent months, BSHP members have worked as a collective to draft and submit a response to the consultations. Our members have collectively compiled a range of different views/thoughts and suggestions to produce a final report which has now been submitted. The general consensus of the BSHP membership is that members collectively support the introduction of the licensing regime and National Supported Housing Standards, to drive standards in supported housing to ensure residents receive the best service possible. BSHP support the introduction of a more structured approach to defining support, however, believe this needs to be flexible and adaptable to suit individual needs. There is also a focus throughout the consultation response regarding how sheltered housing fits into this legislation, and also consideration to understand how future support and supervision may be funded, in order to truly achieve the aims and aspirations of the Act.
Response provided from the BSHP Executive Team.
20 May 2025