Clarification From CLG On Supported Housing Rent Reduction

Following the Ministerial announcement that supported housing would be excluded from the 1% rent cut for 2016/17, we've had lots of questions about the definition of supported housing. All the exceptions will be confirmed in regulations and we expect these to be available in the next few weeks, however in the meantime CLG has provided the following statement of clarification:

"Our intention is that this be a wide definition.  All supported housing as currently set out in the rent standard guidance will be excepted from the rent reduction for a period of 1 year and providers should use this as a guide as they set rents for 2016-17. The exact definition will be defined in regulations. For the purposes of clarity we intend that the exception will include though not necessarily be limited to:

·         domestic violence refuges and other specialist accommodation based support for domestic violence victims

·         hostels and other accommodation for the homeless

·         sheltered accommodation for older people

·         supported accommodation for young people

·         extra care housing,

·         accommodation for people with mental health or drug/alcohol problems,

·         accommodation for people with disabilities

·         accommodation for ex-offenders and people at risk of offending.

Ministers have confirmed that alms houses, cooperative housing associations and community land trusts will also benefit from the year long exception. Read more on the NHF website.