The DCLG and DWP funding for supported housing consultation

As many people who have a conviction rely on supported housing, Clinks has responded to the Department for Communities and Local Government and Department for Work and Pensions funding for supported housing consultation. It is essential that the funding mechanism for supported housing enables providers to continue to deliver their services and meet the needs of their clients. Our key recommendations include: that the Ministry of Justice develop a cross-departmental accommodation strategy to support positive accommodation outcomes for people in contact with the criminal justice system; that people with a conviction are defined as a vulnerable group by the Department for Communities and Local Government, with guidelines circulated to local authorities; and that there is a statutory duty on all local authorities to assess the supported housing needs of their population. Clinks also responded to the Work and Pensions Committee and the Communities and Local Government Committee joint inquiry into the government’s funding reform for supported housing, stressing the importance of the need for a cross-departmental accommodation strategy led by the Ministry of Justice.