Topics
Overview
1. The delay in implementing the Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act 2023 is perceived as a lack of urgency by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). Local authorities are said to be inconsistently managing supported housing due to the absence of clear guidance. This has resulted in a system that is failing vulnerable people, while public funds are being misused by rogue operators.
2. Members of the Public Accounts Committee expressed concerns over bureaucratic inefficiency and what it perceives as excuses for the delays. Meanwhile, strong political pressure is mounting to prioritise and expedite the implementation process, as further inaction risks reputational damage for the MHCLG.
3. The following is an analysis of the Public Accounts Committee Oral evidence: Tackling homelessness, HC 352 which took place on Monday 2 December 2024.1Public Accounts Committee, Oral evidence: Tackling homelessness, HC 352, Monday 2 December 2024, Q6 – Q17
- Members: Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown (Chair), Clive Betts, Rachel Gilmour, Chris Kane
- Witness: Sarah Healey CB CVO, Permanent Secretary, MHCLG
- A guest member for this inquiry the Chairman of the Backbench Business Committee: Bob Blackman CBE.
Context and Update on the Implementation of the Act
Act Not Implemented Yet
4. Bob Blackman: Highlighted his involvement with the Act and noted that it has not been implemented yet. Asked for a progress update.
Consultation Plan
5. Sarah Healey: Confirmed that the Act’s regulations and licensing scheme will be consulted on in the new year, aiming for implementation soon after.
Research and Advisory Panel
6. Sarah Healey: Noted applications for the supported housing advisory panel are open, and associated research has been published, revealing gaps between supply and demand.
Funding to Address Housing Gaps
7. Sarah Healey: Stressed the importance of supported housing in addressing homelessness and mentioned funding from the affordable homes program to meet housing supply needs.
Impact of Delays
Funding and Provider Closures
8. Bob Blackman: Pointed out delays leading to local authorities avoiding funding good charities, resulting in closures and homelessness, while rogue operators continue.
Protecting Good Providers
9. Bob Blackman: Emphasised the Act’s intention to protect good providers and eliminate rogue landlords, requesting urgency in addressing these issues.
Critical Role of Supported Housing
10. Sarah Healey: Acknowledged the critical role of supported housing, reiterated commitment to progress, but stressed the need for thorough implementation.
Postcode Lottery Risk
11. Bob Blackman: Warned of a postcode lottery due to varied licensing standards unless clear national standards are established.
Not the Intention of the Act
12. Sarah Healey: Agreed this was not the Act’s intention and reiterated commitment to addressing the issue effectively.
Timelines and Feasibility
Request for Timeline
13. Clive Betts: Asked for a timeline from the Act’s Royal Assent to the first licence issuance.
Refusal to Speculate on Timelines
14. Sarah Healey: Declined to speculate on a timeline, citing the consultation’s complexity and subsequent processes.
Wasted Public Funds
15. Mr Betts: Questioned the impression created by delays, pointing out wasted public funds and the urgency of stopping rogue operators.
Frustration Over Delays
16. Sarah Healey: Acknowledged delays due to the general election, expressed frustration, and emphasised quality over rushed implementation.
Request for Target Timeline
17. Mr Betts: Pressed for a realistic timescale or target for the licensing regime.
Commitment to Plausible Timetable
18. Sarah Healey: Agreed to provide a plausible timetable later, refraining from speculation during the session.
Assurance of Expedition
19. Rachel Gilmour: Sought assurance from Healey that the process would be expedited as much as possible.
Assurance of Expedition Commitment
20. Sarah Healey: Gave assurance of the Department’s intent to expedite the process but maintained commitment to thorough implementation.
Hypothetical Timeline
21. The Chair: Outlined a hypothetical timeline for consultation and regulation implementation, suggesting feasibility by October 2025.
No Comment on Hypothetical Timeline
22. Sarah Healey: Declined to comment on the proposed timeline, stating that consultation length is a ministerial decision.
Consultation Start
23. Bob Blackman: Asked when the consultation would begin.
Consultation Start Timing
24. Sarah Healey: Indicated consultation would start as early as possible in the new year.
Project Planning
Existence of Project Plan
25. Chris Kane: Asked about the existence of a project plan with indicative timescales.
Project Plan and Uncertainties
26. Sarah Healey: Confirmed the existence of a project plan but noted uncertainties around:
- consultation length,
- response complexity, and
- parliamentary time for regulation laying.
Committee’s Frustration
27. The Chair: Expressed the Committee’s frustration with delays and called for updates when more details are available.
MHCLG’s Commitment to Update Committee
28. Sarah Healey: Agreed to provide further updates to the Committee when more details are determined.
Implications
29. The following actions arise from the above, if the MHCLG wishes to address the delays in implementing the Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act 2023:
30. MHCLG need to initiate the consultation on regulations and licensing schemes by early next year and establish a clear, plausible timeline for the consultation, regulation drafting, and licensing implementation.
31. Regular written updates should be provided to the Committee, detailing a concrete timetable and key progress milestones.
32. The consultation should prioritise harmonised standards across local authorities to prevent inconsistencies, while also outlining measures to safeguard high-quality providers and eliminate rogue operators.
33. Interim measures might be considered to prevent funding cuts to effective charities during the transition period.
34. Additionally, sufficient parliamentary time must be allocated to ensure the swift approval of regulations once the consultation concludes.
35. To address the Committee’s frustration, MHCLG must demonstrate tangible steps toward accelerating implementation and restoring confidence in its commitment to this critical reform.
Public Accounts Committee – Watch Oral Evidence Session (2 December 2024)
36. See the questions and answers here
Notes [ + ]