Supported housing shortage costing NHS £71 million through delayed discharges

A shortage of supported housing in 2023-24 cost the NHS £71 million through delayed mental health hospital discharges.

Expanding provision has the potential to save up to £50 million a year for the NHS and a total annual saving of £6 billion for the wider public purse, the Local Government Association (LGA) says.

Supported housing provides a vital safety net for individuals with complex needs, including people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, care leavers, people with disabilities, and those with mental health needs. It is a lifeline service offering safety and stability in a secure home environment, enabling people to live independently, preventing homelessness and reducing pressure on hospital admissions.

It is just one vital element of a broader preventative care and support system that keeps people healthy and enables independent living. Adapting homes, investing in community support, and reducing isolation and loneliness are all part of a care system that enables people to live more equal and healthier lives.

Analysis by the National Housing Federation also found that by 2040, additional demand for supported housing will exceed 200,000 units.

The LGA, the national membership body for local authorities which aims to strengthen local government, is calling on central government to consider the full scale of new burdens funding required for councils to adequately implement licensing schemes, enforce new standards, and support well intentioned providers.

“We urge the Government to work with councils to invest in supported housing, to enable councils to meet their duties under the Care Act, deliver licensing schemes, enforce new standards and support providers with building a supported housing system that is fit for the future,” Cllr Dr Wendy Taylor, Chair of the LGA Health and Wellbeing Committee, said.

“Groundwork is being laid by councils across the country, through innovative working ahead of the implementation of the Supporting Housing Act. But, without much-needed long-term investment in this essential preventative care service, many older people and those with physical and learning disabilities will continue to be in hospital and residential care longer than necessary. Young care leavers, people fleeing domestic abuse, and those experiencing homelessness will be without stable housing.”

Coinciding with the calls, the LGA is publishing new guidance for councils, highlighting the growing demand for supported housing provision.

“This new guidance will support councils to identify the most effective tools to deliver high-quality supported housing schemes within the context of their local priorities, challenges and capacities,” Dr Taylor added.

Drawing on the Supported Housing Improvement Programme (SHIP) pilots, the guidance from the LGA provides councils with clear steps, resources and checklists to help prepare for the implementation of the Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act by improving oversight, strengthening provider relationships and ensuring better outcomes for residents.