Crisis in Supported Housing: Vulnerable Lives at Risk Due to Lack of Regulation

Vulnerable individuals requiring care are living in deplorable conditions due to the government’s failure to enforce the Supported Housing Act, passed in June 2022. Despite evident issues with unregulated private firms profiting from substandard housing, the government has stalled on establishing necessary regulations and advisory panels. Rhys Matthews, a 26-year-old with health problems, highlights his traumatic experience in supported housing, emphasizing the urgent need for enforceable standards that ensure safety and adequate support in living conditions. Charitable organizations and MPs are calling for immediate action, stressing that the sector is becoming increasingly unsafe, with incidents of crime and neglect. The government acknowledges the need for a consultation but cites election-related delays. The National Housing Federation warns that funding cuts and rising operational costs threaten the sustainability of supported housing, which is already seeing a decrease in available services amid rising demand.