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With the Government proposing to implement a new funding system for supported housing from 2019, Homeless Link is launching five key principles that are necessary to secure a sustainable future for these vital services, at a parliamentary reception in the House of Lords on 1 March 2017.

Supported housing offers a safe and stable environment and promotes independence for vulnerable people facing a spectrum of needs, including homelessness. It is essential that the new funding model is fit for purpose and protects those who depend upon supported housing schemes over the long term.

To this end, Homeless Link, the national membership charity for frontline homelessness and supported housing services, has produced 'Future Focus', a framework that should underpin the new system for supported housing. The organisation is calling on the Government and the sector to use these principles to assess any future funding proposals for these services.

The five key principles for the new supported housing system

1. Provide adequate funding on a sustainable basis so that supported housing is available to everyone who needs it
2. Respond flexibly to the diversity and complexity of people’s individual needs and aspirations
3. Encourage the sector to use its expertise to implement good practice, innovate and develop to meet future demand
4. Support the commissioning of high-quality supported housing schemes that meet the current and future needs of local communities
5. Develop in partnership with supported housing schemes and their residents

Rick Henderson, Chief Executive of Homeless Link, comments: “We are currently at a point of unprecedented importance for supported housing. It is no exaggeration to say that decisions taken over the next few months and years will be crucial in shaping the provision of accommodation and support for some of society’s most vulnerable people for decades to come.

“That is why, in consultation with our members, we have produced this statement of the five principles by which we think any proposed system should be judged. We believe these principles will ensure that an effective, dynamic and sustainable supported housing sector is there for everyone who needs it in the future and call on Government to factor them in to their plans.”

To download the full publication, please click on the related article below.

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Future Focus A framework to shape the funding of sustainable supported housing services.