Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of Birmingham City Council’s existing powers to prevent the concentration of poorly managed supported exempt accommodation in residential neighbourhoods; and whether additional planning powers will be provided.

Supported housing provides a vital service, helping some of the most vulnerable people in society to live as independently as possible. The government is clear that all supported housing should be of good quality and provide the support residents need.

The management of supported exempt accommodation is not a material planning consideration. Where a material change of use is required to provide supported exempt accommodation, planning permission will be required. We continue to keep planning use classes under review.