Essential smaller housing providers at risk as calls for reform increase

This is one of the reasons that there are increasing calls to reform the current system, but this needs to be done carefully so that smaller providers don’t end up paying the price.

No one would argue that reform isn’t needed. For several years now we’ve seen terrible headlines coming out of the sector, revealing how some young people and vulnerable adults have been left without the support they need, while their landlords pick up hefty housing benefit receipts on their behalf.

Where there isn’t agreement is when it comes to what should be done.

Last week the call for evidence closed on the Levelling Up Committee’s inquiry into exempt accommodation, looking into this type of supported housing, which is “exempt” from Housing Benefit rules limiting rents to particular levels. Its residents are some of the country’s most vulnerable people with particular support needs; victims of domestic abuse, people who are struggling with substance abuse and those with nowhere to call home.