Supported housing in crisis, groups tell Starmer

The ongoing crisis in supported housing has reached alarming levels, leaving a shortfall of 325,000 places. Vulnerable individuals, from care leavers to veterans and survivors of domestic abuse, rely on these services for stability and independence.

Advocates are calling for £1.6bn in annual housing-related support and for supported homes to be included in the government's plans to build 1.5 million new houses.

The government acknowledges the importance of supported housing and has committed £2bn to social and affordable housebuilding by 2026-27.

The debate over austerity measures continues, with advocates insisting that tough financial decisions are necessary to stabilise the UK's economy. However, families like Shaoxiong Liu’s are living proof of the crucial role supported housing plays in everyday lives. His son Jason, 39, has autism, a learning disability, and significant mental health challenges. As he grew older, managing his needs at home became increasingly difficult for his family. When he was hospitalised with sepsis in 2017, finding suitable long-term accommodation proved to be a major challenge due to his complex condition.

Eventually placed with Advance Housing, Jason has thrived over the past eight years. His weight has risen from 35kg to 53kg, he enjoys bus trips, and he actively participates in social events. His family says his behaviour has dramatically improved, making his life—and theirs—far more stable and manageable.

Since ringfenced funding was removed in 2009 and austerity measures took effect in 2010, many councils have been forced to cut support services. As a result, the number of supported homes has steadily declined, with a net loss of 3,000 in the past three years and an estimated national shortfall of 325,000 homes.

The ongoing crisis raises urgent questions about the balance between financial responsibility and ensuring vulnerable individuals receive the essential support they need and the private sector is now being looked upon as the natural replacement to reliance on government bodies to resolve the crisis.

At Supported Living Invest, our mission is to create a bridge between ethical investments and social impact. We focus on providing secure, long-term housing solutions for our partner housing association who rely on supported living accommodations whilst delivering sustainable returns to our investors. We have an extensive portfolio of properties that are available to investors to purchase, and our housing association partner is offering an annual return of up to 13% net yields per annum, with upwards only annual rent reviews every year for up to 25 years.

Our innovative approach combines:

• Social responsibility: Enhancing quality of life for supported living tenants.

• Proven expertise: Years of experience in property investments and a strong industry network.

• Sustainable growth: Aiming for both financial and social success for our partners.