Responsible exempt supported accommodation must lead the way for change
Amid regulatory uncertainty, the sector cannot simply wait for legislation to solve its problems, writes Ian MacGregor, chief executive of exempt supported housing provider Sustain UK
Ian MacGregor is chief executive of Sustain UK
Amid regulatory uncertainty, the sector cannot simply wait for legislation to solve its problems, writes Ian MacGregor, chief executive of exempt supported housing provider Sustain UK #UKhousingRepeated delays to the Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act 2023 have left many in the sector feeling a prolonged sense of uncertainty.
With enforcement now unlikely to occur before 2027, uncertainty around registration, licensing, standards, accommodation and support continue – an untenable position for services designed to stabilise some of society’s most vulnerable people.
The delay has had a range of consequences. While some ethical providers have begun adapting in anticipation, aligning themselves with local standards, others are awaiting final clarification before making changes. Unfortunately, amongst this vacuum of uncertainty, unethical, negligent and even criminal enterprises have seized on the situation to profit from the system, leaving in their wake a trail of chaos and hardship.
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Nowhere is this more evident than in Birmingham, where exempt supported housing bedspaces have surged beyond 33,000, despite Birmingham City Council’s desire and efforts to curb growth. The city has become a hotspot for opportunistic, poorly regulated provision, with bad actors drawn in by housing benefit rates of up to £400/week per room.
The consequences are increasingly visible, with national media reporting unsafe accommodation, inadequate support, exploitation and, in the most serious cases, links to organised criminal gangs. There is a growing fear among our communities in Birmingham about what is happening behind closed doors.
We cannot afford to wait for Westminster to solve our problems. Ethical and well-run supported housing providers must act now, leading by example and raising standards ahead of further legislative guidance.
“Birmingham’s challenge is not a lack of knowledge or self-awareness, but inconsistent adoption and enforcement”
Importantly, Birmingham already has clear best-practice guidance for exempt supported housing. The Supported Exempt Accommodation Quality Assurance Standards (SEAQAS) sit alongside the Charter of Rights for Residents of Supported Exempt Accommodation (COR), and provide a practical framework covering governance, property standards, support delivery and resident rights.
They demonstrate that Birmingham’s challenge is not a lack of knowledge or self-awareness, but inconsistent adoption and enforcement. These standards offer a credible foundation for providers anywhere to raise quality, strengthen accountability and embed standards into everyday practice.
At Sustain UK, we’ve consistently tried to identify local issues early and act accordingly. For example, we froze our available bed numbers in Birmingham six years ago, suspended offering properties in identified exempt housing ‘hotspots’ and were an early adopter of the SEAQAS.
Part of this means delivering resident comfort and care through a robust, in-person inspection regime. This gives providers a clear understanding of the standard of homes, allowing issues such as damp, mould and repairs to be addressed early. Acting quickly on concerns also demonstrates to residents that their voices are being heard.
An organisation’s culture starts at the top, and effective governance relies on a capable senior leadership team and an independent board that can challenge and guide long-term decision-making.
Strengthening our non-executive leadership has improved our oversight, transparency and performance, while reinforcing confidence among residents and the wider community. Operational performance can then be further strengthened by investing in people and systems.
“At its best, supported housing brings calm, structure and dignity to unstable lives, with residents placed at the centre of every decision”
For example, trauma-informed training helps staff respond with empathy and de-escalate issues early, while thorough complaint handling and case tracking ensure concerns are recorded, addressed promptly and resolved consistently. This approach enables recurring issues and safeguarding risks to be identified early, supporting accountability and better outcomes for residents.
At its best, supported housing brings calm, structure and dignity to unstable lives, with residents placed at the centre of every decision. Working on the frontline of homelessness and stabilising lives often blighted by addiction, trauma and poor mental health is challenging enough, but supported housing providers should never add to the chaos.
In Birmingham, those adhering to the City Council’s standards have established The Supported Exempt Accommodation Forum, a collaborative space for providers to share and discuss best practices. It is my hope that by bringing responsible supported housing providers together, we can offer leadership and support, and we encourage accommodation providers who have adopted the council’s standards to get involved.
Visit theseaforum.org.uk to find out more.
Ian MacGregor, chief executive, Sustain UK
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