Shaping the future of supported housing: creating Local Supported Housing Strategies

Creating Local Supported Housing Strategies

Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act 2023

The introduction of the Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act 2023 marked a significant milestone for supported housing, seeking to create purpose-driven, evidence-based service planning and improve quality. 

There are two stages of the reforms. First, is a requirement for local authorities to develop and publish Local Supported Housing Strategies that assess current supply, project future demand, and set out how needs will be met locally (more on this below).

The second stage of reform, for which we are awaiting further details, is the establishment of a licensing regime and a set of national standards. 

Guidance on Local Supported Housing Strategies

In February 2026, the government published statutory guidance to support local authorities in fulfilling their duty to produce Local Supported Housing Strategies, accompanied by £39m of new burdens funding. The guidance sets out a national framework rooted in collaboration, data-informed decision-making and community engagement. 

There are four core components that the strategies will need to reflect:

• Strategic priorities – overarching vision and direction for supported housing
• Partnerships – arrangements of supply and demand
• Needs assessment – assessment of supply and demand
• Delivery plan – a plan for implementing the strategy.

At a minimum, the strategy must establish population need, local supply and any resulting actions for the next five years. Local authorities will also need to nominate a strategic lead, or multiple leads for example, one from housing and one from social care.

Local discretion

The exact scope of the strategy is left to local discretion. At a minimum it must cover Supported Exempt Accommodation (as set out in Section 12 of the Act) and retirement or sheltered housing, even where this is not classified as Supported Exempt Accommodation. Local authorities are encouraged to consider whether it would be helpful to include other forms of housing with care and support such as floating support services, housing first, shared lives, staying put or supported lodgings. 

Local areas can also decide on the best governance arrangements to agree and sign off the strategy, although a list of parters who should be engaged in the strategy design are provided.

Looking ahead: considerations the next phase of reforms

The Act introduces new annual reporting to MHCLG regarding local demand and supply and although we are awaiting a final data list from government, Local Authorities should keep this new requirement in mind when conducting the first needs assessment and establishing local partnerships. What processes could be put in place now that would serve the local area in years to come? 

Government have said that the data reporting is likely to include the following:

• Stock
  • For each service type and primary client group:​ number of homes, % receiving adult social care, commissioning sources, Specialised Supported Housing, number of voids, number awaiting move on from transitional supported housing.​
• Demand
  • For each service type:​ current unmet need, net additional homes needed in the next 5 years (10 years projection optional),% homes expected to receive adult social care​.

The partnerships and governance arrangements put in place now should also consider how they support a future licensing regime. 

Where to start?

The challenge ahead is significant. Local leadership, data systems and partnerships will all be tested. 

The good news is that there are many examples of best practice. 

If you would like to understand what the new regulations mean for you, as a commissioner or provider, please contact Liz Zacharias, Director – Care and Support at: Liz.Zacharias@campbelltickell.com.

Brief your Board 

Download our free ‘Brief your Board: what every Councillor and Executive needs to know about SHROA 2023’ presentation, updated to reflect the latest guidance from MHCLG .

Campbell Tickell and Supported Housing

At Campbell Tickell, we have worked with a wide range of local authorities to deliver supported housing needs assessments for older people, Care Act eligible client groups such as people with learning disabilities, autism and mental ill-health, as well as for all the client groups that would require short term supported housing and move on accommodation (young people, offenders, people with a history of substance use, people with mental health issues, single homeless and rough sleepers, those with complex needs and those experiencing domestic abuse). 

Our work has enabled local authorities and ICBs to evidence housing, support and care need, find innovative solutions to addressing people’s supported housing needs and improve service availability and quality. 

Our care and support team can help you to:  

• Conduct robust supported housing needs assessments
• Design realistic, forward-looking strategies to meet gaps in supply
• Put together delivery plans to meet current and future need  
• Set you up for the new annual reporting to MHCLG
• Build stronger partnerships across departments and with external partners (including non-commissioned and non-RPs)
• Review and strengthen governance and quality assurance processes
• Support new requirements around licensing and compliance and risk assess your provider market
• Support your local supported housing market to get to grips with the requirements and meet the standards.

Find out more about Supported Housing and Homelessness

For any enquiries about this support please contact:

Liz.Zacharias@campbelltickell.com

Holly.Holder@campbelltickell.com