Safe Housing and Hospital Discharge

Baroness Thornhill Excerpts

Wednesday 19th March 2025 Lords Chamber

Asked by

[Baroness Thornhill]

To ask His Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to improve collaboration between integrated care boards and housing providers to address barriers to safe housing and support timely hospital discharge.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health and Social Care (Baroness Merron) (Lab)]

My Lords, the Government recognise that the availability of safe housing contributes to timely and effective hospital discharge. We published a new policy framework for the £9 billion better care fund in January. Integrated care boards and local authorities have to work together, with involvement from local housing authorities, to agree joint plans to deliver joined-up care. The £86 million uplift to the disabled facilities grant this year can provide around 7,800 additional home adaptations.

[Baroness Thornhill (LD)]

I thank the Minister for her Answer and welcome what she has said. It is absolutely clear now that the lack of supported housing is a major factor in delayed discharge from hospital and that integrated care boards are part of the solution. Can the Minister explain why, only last week, the Government made the shock announcement of a 50% cut to the core funding to these very boards? Surely they should be integral to creating solutions to this costly, damaging and seemingly intractable problem.

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

As the noble Baroness will be aware, this Government want to see provision and decision-making directed by local leaders. She and the House will be aware of the financial situation which we have inherited. I reiterate what I said about the £9 billion committed to the better care fund, which includes £5.6 billion to integrated care boards and around £3.3 billion to local authorities.