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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps he is taking to improve the provision of supported accommodation for (a) young people and (b) adults with special needs and disabilities in (i) Stratford-on-Avon constituency and (ii) Warwickshire.

The government recognises the important role played by supported housing in helping disabled young people and adults, as well as other vulnerable people, to live safely, well and independently. The Affordable Housing Programme 2021-26 includes delivery of supported housing. At the Spending Review, the government announced £39 billion for a new Social and Affordable Homes Programme over 10 years from 2026-27 to 2035-36. In particular, the government recognises some types of homes that are much needed can often cost more to deliver. The new programme is designed to be flexible to support the greater diversity of supply needed, and we are asking providers, including supported housing providers, to come forward with ambitious bids that reflect this diversity.

In addition, social housing rent policy exempts ‘specialised supported housing’ - serving those with the most complex needs, including people with learning disabilities and or autism, and mental health issues – from the Rent standard. This means providers can set rents that enable them to finance and bring forward high cost, high-specification housing to meet the needs of this cohort.