Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, when the Department plans to introduce changes to the definition of care, support and supervision in Housing Benefit regulations; and what assessment it has made of the effect of those changes on supported exempt accommodation in Birmingham.

As confirmed in the Government response to the consultation on the Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act 2023, there are currently no plans to introduce changes to the definition of care, support and supervision in Housing Benefit regulations.

Our immediate priority is to work with Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to implement the reforms provided for by the Act, to improve the quality of the supported housing and protect vulnerable residents. The new licensing regime will include a fit and proper person test so councils can assess the suitability of the landlord. It will also, for the first time, introduce mandatory National Supported Housing Standards for the support provided to residents. These will include a person-centred standard which will require the provider to evidence that a tailored support or supervision plan is in place for each resident to enable them to live as independently as possible and where appropriate encourage and enable them to take up training, volunteering and employment opportunities.

My officials have been working closely with Birmingham City Council and partners to understand and address concerns about supported exempt accommodation. We will continue this work and support the Council as it prepares for the new licensing regime.