Context
The non-payment issue affects local charities providing support and accommodation, particularly for those with addiction or undergoing rehabilitation. Charnwood Borough Council contributes £1.5 million annually to subsidize the supported housing benefit.
Question
What steps are being taken to tackle non-payment of housing benefit to district councils when the beneficiary is not a registered social landlord? The charity organisations provide support and accommodation for individuals suffering from addiction or undergoing rehabilitation, but the cost to the council is unsustainable. Will the government look at funding these services as it does for similar registered organizations?
Answer from Mims Davies
The Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act 2023 brings reforms to improve quality and value for money in the supported housing sector. The government keeps subsidy policy under review, but any changes would need to be considered within broader reforms. I chair a cross-Government group with the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities focusing on quality issues and subsidy loss. We will continue to monitor and review local concerns.
Not addressed: Specific commitment or action regarding funding of non-registered social landlord charities
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