Last Friday (25 April), John Verge, Chief Executive at Golden Lane Housing, accompanied representatives from the National Housing Federation and other supported housing providers to deliver a joint-letter signed by over 170 cross-sector organisations and charities to 10 Downing Street, calling on the Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Exchequer to save supported housing. John writes:

“I had the privilege of representing over 170 organisations in delivering a letter to government calling for urgent action to save the supported housing sector which provides homes for over 500,000 people across England with complex needs. 

“While Golden Lane Housing continues to be in a good financial position, we are still greatly impacted by rising costs and funding cuts to our partner support providers and commissioners. Many providers are being pushed to breaking point, and National Housing Federation research shows thousands of services are at risk of closing across the whole sector.  

“The upcoming Spending Review is an opportunity for government to commit the investment needed to secure the future of supported housing including support funding and capital funding for new homes. 

“So, it is urgent that the government acknowledge the value of supported housing and their providers, commit to lasting action through policy changes and appropriate oversight, and for financial support at the upcoming Spending Review to secure the long-term future of supported housing for the tenants that need it most. As a member of The Learning Disability and Autism Housing Network we will continue to make the case for a national housing strategy for people with learning disabilities and autistic people, and more grant funding for specialised supported housing.”

Find out more about the #SaveOurSupportedHousing campaign by clicking here.