Supported Accommodation Care Standards 2021-10-25
2021-10-25
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
There is concern about the regulation and standard of care in exempt supported accommodation across the UK, particularly regarding vulnerable individuals. The question arises from recent assessments needed to ensure proper oversight.
What recent assessment has been made of the adequacy of the regulation of standards of care in exempt supported accommodation?
Supported housing plays a vital role in delivering better outcomes for some of the most vulnerable people in our society. My Department has been working with local authorities on several pilots focused on improving the quality of accommodation and support for people in exempt accommodation. We have given more than £5 million to five councils, including almost £2 million to Birmingham City Council. The pilots concluded in September, and we are assessing the findings to decide our next steps.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific assessment requested is not provided; instead, general information about pilots and funding is given.
Working With Local Authorities
Assessing Pilot Findings
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
There is a significant issue regarding the living conditions and compliance rates for vulnerable individuals in exempt accommodation, costing substantial public funds. The question arises from a critical assessment that regulatory oversight has failed to address these issues effectively.
I am aware of the pilots, but the Minister must know that in more than 150,000 exempt accommodation premises across the country, vulnerable people are living in the most appalling circumstances. The regulator recently judged that the largest provider in Birmingham was non-compliant, while it is costing the taxpayer £110 million in Birmingham alone. For how much longer does he think the Government will be able to tolerate this state of affairs?
It is important that we consider the fact that there are some excellent providers of supported housing across the country, and I say that with a vested interest, because I worked for one of them in Birmingham before I came to Parliament. Although I fully appreciate that the number of units of supported accommodation in Birmingham has doubled from approximately 11,000 to 22,000, it only takes a small percentage of rogue landlords to create a significant problem. As I said, we will continue to work closely with the council and Sharon Thompson, the councillor responsible there, to ensure we come up with a solution. I respect the hon. Gentleman tremendously, and I look forward to working with him on this issue.
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Assessment & feedback
The question about timeframe for improvements is not addressed; instead, personal experience and general statements are made.
Excellent Providers
Small Percentage Of Rogue Landlords
Response accuracy