A package of measures designed to put an end to dishonest landlords exploiting some of the most vulnerable people in society has been announced by the Government.
The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities is investing £11.5 billion through the Affordable Homes Programme, including delivery of new supported housing for older, disabled and other vulnerable people.
Minimum standards for the support provided to residents, new powers for local authorities to manage their local supported housing market better, and changes to housing benefit regulations have all been introduced.
Cllr James Jamieson, LGA Chairman, said: “We are pleased that government is acting on councils’ concerns about the minority of unscrupulous landlords who exploit the supported housing system for financial gain while providing poor-quality accommodation and support to people in vulnerable circumstances.
“This has a significant and detrimental impact on the lives of the people who live in poor-quality housing without the right level of support, and the wider community, as well as a cost to the public purse.
“We look forward to working with government, supported housing providers, people with lived experience of supported housing and other partners to take forward these important measures and ensure this moves along at pace.”