CIH responds to UK government's local supported housing strategies

New government guidance has been published today (10 February 2026) to support councils in developing local supported housing strategies, a key requirement of the Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act.

Commenting on new strategies, Sarah Davis, CIH policy manager, said: "We welcome the guidance for councils on the supported housing strategies. It will be a busy year ahead for them to develop their strategies, but this is a critical starting point for the aims and other tools within the Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act.

"We recognise the statutory focus will be on supported exempt accommodation, but welcome the opportunity the strategies provide for local authorities and partners to look at the wider landscape of supported housing in their areas, given the valuable contribution for people who require both short and long-term support to live independently. 

"It's imperative to understand this landscape, the quality of provision, and how it matches needs in local areas. It will give a valuable steer to providers to see the gaps and look to support councils in addressing these, and for councils to target much needed investment for those providers that are delivering high quality homes and support.

"To ensure the accuracy and quality of these strategies, the swift publication of the consultation response and further work on licensing and regulation is necessary.

"Developing the strategies may reveal further risk to a valuable sector which is struggling to sustain existing quality supported schemes. CIH has highlighted the real need for more and sustained investment in the sector if we are to see the right services to match local needs and support people who need it."

Read the local supported housing strategies in full on the government website.