I was concerned to read reports of disturbing treatment and abuse in the exempt accommodation sector detailed in the Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Select Committee report, which you can read here: Exempt Accommodation - Committees - UK Parliament
On many occasions, exempt accommodation provides a vital service to some of the most vulnerable people in our society. The care, support and supervision they are provided aims to help them live as independently as possible in their communities. Unfortunately, this is not always the case.
I know that my ministerial colleagues are aware of a minority of supported housing landlords providing poor quality accommodation and insufficient support for residents. It is completely unacceptable for anyone to abuse the exempt accommodation system and issues must be addressed to ensure vulnerable people can access the accommodation and support they deserve.
The Government is supporting the Member for Harrow East, Bob Blackman's, Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Private Member's Bill. I was pleased to speak in support of this Bill during a debate on the Bill, which you can watch above.
The new legislation, which is currently making its way through Parliament, will create powers for the Secretary of State to introduce national standards for supported accommodation and require local authorities to create supported housing strategies. A Supported Housing Advisory Panel will be created, which will bring together representatives from the sector to advise central and local government. The Bill will also give the Secretary of State powers to introduce licensing for the exempt accommodation sector.
