The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and the Department for Work and Pensions have launched a consultation on introducing regulation for supported housing schemes through local licensing schemes, using powers in the Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act 2023 (the Act).
Licensing authorities would each operate a local scheme using the same national licensing framework and guidance issued by the government, including National Supported Housing Standards and licensing conditions. Provider licensing would be linked to residents’ eligibility for Housing Benefit.
The Supported Housing regulation: consultation closes on 15 May 2025.
The Act, which was given 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.
The proposed licensing regime and National Supported Housing Standards would apply to England only, as would the linking of a licensing regime to eligibility for Housing Benefit. However, the consultation says it will consider the implications for Scotland and Wales, including whether any equivalent changes need to be made.
The Act also places a duty on local housing authorities to produce supported housing strategies to understand current availability and future need for supported housing.
