Agenda item

Briefing Note of the Director and Adult Services and Housing

The Committee considered a Briefing Note which provided background information regarding the definition of Exempted Supported Accommodation and the situation in Coventry. An appendix to the Briefing Note detailed a number of issues, what the current position is in respect to interventions and the funding the Council has secured to seek to improve the sector in Coventry.

Exempt accommodation is supported housing which is exempt from certain Housing Benefit provisions. It is a sector which often houses more marginalised groups with support needs, such as prison leavers; care leavers; those fleeing domestic violence; and homeless people with substance dependence or mental health issues. The accommodation is provided alongside support, supervision or care to help people live as independently as possible in the community.

There is also a small element of care, support and supervision provided to clients, which means it is exempt from Local Housing Allowance (LHA) caps, hence the use of the term ‘exempt’. These exemptions enable organisations providing this type of housing to charge higher rates, when compared with general LHA rates, to clients living in their properties. Where the accommodation is provided by an organisation other than a registered provider, Local Authorities bear the additional costs of the provision beyond the LHA rate. In 2022/23 the cost to the Council is approximately £3.4 million resulting in a net subsidy loss of £2.7 million.

As securing permanent accommodation has become more difficult the Supported Exempt Sector has grown significantly both locally and nationally. This type of accommodation is often the only option for groups of people who don’t meet the statutory priority need threshold, particularly if their homelessness is unplanned. Case law states that there only needs to be a “more than minimal” level of care and support to qualify as ‘exempt’, meaning some providers secure high rental levels while providing a small amount of support.

Exempt accommodation clients are usually housed in houses in multiple occupation (HMOs), which are often large properties that have been converted. Due to the complicated nature of defining a building as a HMO not all exempt accommodation can be classified as such and therefore would not fall under the provision of the citywide HMO licensing scheme. Furthermore, in some cases if they are operated by or under the umbrella of a registered social landlord (RSL) then they are afforded an exemption from licensing under the Housing Act 2004.

While there are many good examples of exempt accommodation providers, there have been instances where the quality of accommodation has not been up to standard, and the support being provided has been found to be inadequate.

Due to a number of Issues being raised regarding specific properties/providers over the last 12 months the Council has collectively across all key departments developed a joined-up approach to deal with issues working alongside the Police. This has resulted in some provision no longer being available in the City and a small number of providers enhancing their service. This work will be enhanced significantly during 2023/24 and 24/25 following the successful bid for funding through the Governments Supported Housing Improvement Programme (SHIP)

The Briefing Note and Appendix provided information in relation to the types of providers in Coventry; key challenges; and current approaches being taken in relation to housing and community safety, housing benefit and regulation and enforcement.

The Committee expressed their concern regarding the lack of regulatory framework and minimum standards and noted that, following national concern regarding poor-quality accommodation, a Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Private Members Bill is currently going through the House of Commons with cross party support. Additionally, a cross-party Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee in a recently published report indicated that “ exempt housing and support services are a complete mess”

The Committee asked questions, made comments and sought assurances on a number of issues including:-

·  Enforcement issues

·  The use of HMO’s  

·  Checks undertaken on providers and the grounds under which the Council can refuse providers

·  Concerns regarding the lack of clarification in relation to the level of service and minimum standards to be provided

·  The vulnerability of people who need supported accommodation and how their needs are not being met

·  Comparisons with other Local Authorities, particularly Birmingham

·  The current provision of available beds in Coventry

·  The impact on neighbouring properties where there is inadequate provision/supervision

·  Information in relation to a breakdown of the three types of accommodation being provided in Coventry and an indication of the quality of provision (It was noted that this information will be circulated to Members of the Committee)

·  What powers City Council officers have in relation to taking action against poor providers and work being undertaken with partners in this regard

·  The appointment of a new team which will allow the Council to take a more “One Coventry” proactive approach to this matter

·  Continuing lobbying being undertaken in relation to this matter

RESOLVED that the Scrutiny Co-ordination Committee:-

1)  Notes the current position and funding

2)  Supports and welcomes the co-ordinated response to managing Exempt Accommodation in the City

3)  Requests that this matter be included on the Work Programme for 2023/24 to enable the Committee to receive a 6 month update on progress and outcomes achieved through the Supported Housing Improvement Programme   

4)  Request that any consultation in relation to a National Housing Standard for Supported Accommodation be considered by Scrutiny  

5)  Request that all Elected Members be advised to report any incidents relating to Exempt Supported Accommodation to appropriate officers