Senior figures from housing, health and social care discuss investment in supported housing following the launch of a new report by Look Ahead Care and Support,
- Charity sector backs plan saying supported housing gives people the “independence they want with the support they need in one setting”
- Launch event took place this morning in the House of Lords, bringing together parliamentarians and officials from across government
Senior figures from housing, health and social care have come together in Parliament to launch a new report by Look Ahead Care and Support, on investment in supported housing.
The report sets out a practical strategy for expanding supported housing through new development, acquisitions and refurbishment, and explains how providers can make full use of available funding.
Hosted by Look Ahead and the Wates Family Enterprise Trust (WFET), the launch took place in the Lords with representatives of the Department of Health and Social Care, NHS England, Homes England, the Greater London Authority, housing associations and the National Housing Federation.
Discussions focused on the barriers to investment, the importance of integrated working between the NHS and local authorities, and the urgent need to bring more general needs housing providers into the supported housing space.
Penelope Green, Head of Evaluation and Influencing at Look Ahead, commented:
“This isn’t about starting from scratch. The capital exists, and so do the partnerships.”
“Our report sets out how we bring those elements together to meet soaring demand, reduce pressure on public services and improve outcomes for people who need housing with support.
“With the right focus and political will, we can scale this quickly.”
Tim Wates, trustee of Wates Family Enterprise Trust, added:
“The Affordable Homes Programme announced in the spending review should be a real shot in the arm to housing supply but it’s crucial that supported housing isn’t left out of the mix.
“Look Ahead’s report today sets out how we can do more with less, creating more supported housing units to give people the independence they want and the support they need in one setting.
“Now the capital is there, it’s crucial to get on and build the units.”
Look Ahead will now brief key national and local government stakeholders, drawing on insights from the discussion and making clear recommendations for how the Affordable Homes Programme can deliver more supported housing.
