SUPPORTED HOUSING ASSOCIATIONS

Early day motion 951, tabled 20 February 2018 by Jim Cunningham (Labour). Signed by 17 members.

That this House notes the important work of not for profit housing associations such as Midland Heart in providing essential supported housing for vulnerable people; further notes that the provision of vital services at short term supported housing schemes such as the Coventry Foyer is made possible through a funding model that provides security for providers; believes that short term supported housing plays a critical role in promoting independence, preventing homelessness and tackling rough sleeping; is concerned that investment in new supported housing schemes has stalled due to uncertainty over the future funding mechanisms for this type of accommodation; recognises that the recent proposal to transfer funding for short term accommodation to a local authority block grant reinforces housing associations' concerns that costs will not be covered in a way which ensures services remain viable; and calls on the Government to clarify how it intends to fund short term supported accommodation to ensure that the principle of individual entitlement to help with housing costs is protected and to provide much needed certainty to housing associations.

Signatures by party: Labour 10, Labour/Co-operative 2, Scottish National Party 2, Conservative 1, DUP 1, Independent 1.