Third Report - Exempt Accommodation
Select Committee
Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee
HC 21
27 October 2022
Government response
Exempt Accommodation: Government Response to the Select Committee Report · published 27 Jun 2023
Recommendations & Conclusions
6 results
2
Conclusion
Accepted in Part
Para 32
Since areas with high concentrations of exempt accommodation can attract anti- social behaviour, crime, rubbish,...
Conclusion
Since areas with high concentrations of exempt accommodation can attract anti- social behaviour, crime, rubbish, and vermin, neighbours and communities are affected negatively as well as residents. These impacts risk undermining local support for supported housing.
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Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the negative impacts and, while having no immediate plans to change use classes, states that the Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Bill includes a duty for local authorities to produce strategies and implement licensing schemes to ensure appropriate provision. DLUHC will review the effect of these schemes within three years to assess if planning reform is needed.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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11
Recommendation
Accepted in Part
We recommend that a National Oversight Committee be urgently established to address the oversight issues...
Recommendation
We recommend that a National Oversight Committee be urgently established to address the oversight issues relating to exempt accommodation. Among its functions we expect that it would coordinate awareness of emerging issues, inform the development of policy in this area …
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Government Response Summary
The government will establish a Supported Housing Advisory Panel through the Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Bill to provide information and advice on the regulatory oversight of supported housing and bring together key stakeholders.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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16
Recommendation
Accepted in Part
Para 86
Providers of exempt accommodation are supposed to be not-for-profit, and there are many responsible providers,...
Recommendation
Providers of exempt accommodation are supposed to be not-for-profit, and there are many responsible providers, some of whom gave evidence to us. However, we also heard that the current system offers a licence to print money to those who wish …
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Government Response Summary
The government agrees costs should be more transparent and will improve transparency through the Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Bill; DWP intends to change Housing Benefit regulations to define ‘care, support and supervision’ to help local authorities drive up standards and ensure value for money.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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19
Recommendation
Accepted in Part
Para 98
The Government, in its written ministerial statement in March and in evidence to us, said...
Recommendation
The Government, in its written ministerial statement in March and in evidence to us, said it intends to take forward measures that will include new powers for local authorities to better manage their local supported housing market. We recommend that …
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Government Response Summary
While there are no plans to make changes to use classes, the Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Bill includes a proposed duty for local authorities to produce local supported housing strategies, and the Secretary of State will review the effect of licensing schemes in 3 years to determine if planning reform is required.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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22
Recommendation
Accepted in Part
Para 107
The multitude of models of exempt accommodation produces a complex landscape with no guarantee of...
Recommendation
The multitude of models of exempt accommodation produces a complex landscape with no guarantee of quality. We have heard concerns about the quality of non- commissioned exempt accommodation, but have also been provided with good examples of specialist non-commissioned providers. …
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Government Response Summary
The government is introducing the Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Bill to improve oversight and enable local authority licensing schemes, and will consult on additional measures to ensure compliance with national support standards. However, they believe these measures are better than mandatory registration, and while they won't change use classes, they will introduce a duty for local authorities to create local supported housing strategies and review licensing scheme effects in 3 years to determine if planning reform is needed.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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23
Recommendation
Accepted in Part
Para 108
We also recommend that action be taken to address this complex landscape, by making it...
Recommendation
We also recommend that action be taken to address this complex landscape, by making it compulsory for all providers to be registered. A mechanism is required to ensure that there is better quality provision and that standards are maintained. Good …
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Government Response Summary
The government states the Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Bill will improve oversight via licensing schemes, and will consult on additional measures to ensure compliance with national standards. They do not agree with mandatory registration with the Regulator of Social Housing, but will ensure non-social housing providers are covered by the Decent Homes Standard.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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