A Westminster Hall debate on supported housing on Thursday 18 January discussed the Joint Committee report and coincided with the Government’s consultation (which closed on 23 January). It was led by Chair of the Communities and Local Government Select Committee Clive Betts MP (Lab, Sheffield South East).
MPs welcomed the Government’s decision not to apply the Local Housing Allowance (LHA) cap to the social sector, but raised concerns about the new proposals for the funding of short-term services, including refuges. Responding to the debate, new Minister for Housing and Homelessness Heather Wheeler MP (Con, South Derbyshire) argued that a local approach to domestic refuges was better than a “bespoke” model. She reiterated that the Government was in listening mode.
David Linden MP (SNP, Glasgow East), Clive Betts MP, and Peter Aldous MP (Con, Waveney) all raised the National Housing Federation’s concerns in the debate. Beforehand, the Federation met with Peter to work with him on his contribution to the debate, and in addition to meetings, a written briefing was sent to all MPs.
Thank you for your continued help urging MPs to attend the debates on supported housing.
Over the last few months, we’ve received inspiring stories from members across the country. Please do continue to send us case studies that focus on residents living in short term services and we’ll add them to our Stories page. You can submit a case study here.
If you would like to reach out to your local MP, use our example supporter MP letter.
