Government maintains Housing Benefit for all supported housing

The government has announced it is maintaining Housing Benefit for all supported housing following consultations launched in October 2017.

A statement issued by the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government and Department for Work & Pensions added that proposals for Sheltered Rent for sheltered and extra care housing had been dropped.

The government said it would not be proceeding with a proposed grant model for short term accommodation, adding its decisions reflected the needs of vulnerable groups and its commitment to continue to protect them.

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The moves were welcomed by Vic Rayner, executive director of the National Care Forum (NCF), who said: “This key announcement on the future funding of supported housing is very welcome, and will bring a level of certainty and confidence to the supported housing sector.

“The provision of purpose built, quality housing for older people, and people with disabilities is a key priority for many NCF members, and this decision will provide some much needed stability after nearly three years of consultation.”

Jane Ashcroft CBE, from Anchor, chief executive Dame Clare Tickell, from Hanover, and Bruce Moore, from Housing & Care 21 said the government had listened to the concerns of the sector.

The three housing executives also welcomed the government’s decision to scrap plans to cap service charges in retirement housing properties, arguing they would have acted as a disincentive for developers to build more sheltered and extra care housing.