Supported housing is facing a crisis, as stated in an open letter signed by over 170 organizations within the sector. According to the letter, services at one in three providers in England had to close last year, contributing to a total deficit of around 325,000 places. Signatories of the letter, including Refuge, Age UK, and the National Housing Federation (NHF), will be delivering it to the Prime Minister today. The NHF attributes the closures to cuts in council funding and escalating costs, noting that an additional one in three providers are at risk of shutting down unless the government commits more funds.
Approximately half a million individuals in the UK currently reside in supported housing, encompassing young care leavers, army veterans, individuals with learning disabilities, and those seeking to escape homelessness or domestic abuse. The open letter emphasizes the pivotal role supported housing plays in reducing NHS waiting lists and alleviating strain on social care, temporary accommodation, and other crucial public services. However, the letter warns that the future of supported housing is imperiled due to years of funding reductions, leading local authorities to decommission essential services.
Advocates for austerity measures argue that difficult financial decisions must be made to maintain the UK’s fiscal balance. Contrary to this view, Shaoxiong Liu’s family credits a supported housing placement for his son Jason with vastly enhancing his quality of life and behavior. Jason, aged 39, grapples with autism, a learning disability, and mental health issues. Following a hospitalization for sepsis in 2017, Jason’s family struggled to find a long-term solution due to his challenging behavior and medical condition. Ultimately, he found placement with Advance Housing, where he has thrived for eight years – gaining weight, participating in outings, and engaging in social activities organized by the provider.
The NHF underscores the gravity of the situation, revealing that one in three providers in England surveyed are contemplating ceasing their services altogether, resulting in the potential loss of 70,000 supported homes nationwide. The removal of ringfenced council funding for housing-related support in 2009, compounded by budget reductions during austerity from 2010, forced some councils to make cuts to supported housing services. This has led to a decline in supported homes compared to 2007, with a net loss of 3,000 supported homes in recent years and an estimated shortfall of up to 325,000 supported homes based on unmet demand
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