The Housing Committee of Redbridge Council met on Wednesday 2 September 2026 to discuss the development of a new Supported Housing Strategy. The committee received a presentation on the strategy, which aims to ensure residents have access to safe, high-quality homes and personalised support. Councillors provided feedback and asked questions to help shape the strategy and its consultation process.

Supported Housing Strategy Development

The committee discussed the development of a new Supported Housing Strategy, a statutory requirement stemming from the Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act 2023, which mandates local authorities to review supported exempt accommodation and publish a strategy by March 2027. The strategy aims to provide a coherent, needs-led approach to supported housing, encompassing short-term and transitional housing, accommodation for working-age disabled adults, and housing for older people.

Andrew Billany, Director of Housing, and Ben Tomlinson, Head of Housing Strategy, Quality and Assurance, presented the emerging priorities and objectives of the strategy. They explained that supported housing is defined as accommodation provided alongside care, support, or supervision, enabling residents to live independently within the community. This is distinct from care homes, offering a middle ground.

The strategy addresses three key challenges: rising short-term and transitional demand, the needs of an ageing population requiring care and independence, and the need for quality, appropriate location, and a sustainable market for supported housing. Councillors raised concerns about the availability of ward-level data on supported housing provision and demand, with officers acknowledging this as a gap that a commissioned needs assessment would aim to fill.

Key objectives for the strategy include ensuring Right housing in the right places, promoting Independence, prevention and positive move-on, fostering Health, wellbeing and inclusion, and strengthening Partnerships, quality and co-production. The desired outcomes for residents include safe and suitable accommodation, stability and connection to support networks, progress and choice in their care pathways, and positive, sustainable move-on when appropriate.

The consultation process for the strategy was a significant focus. Councillors stressed the importance of reaching all residents, including those who may not have access to online platforms or social media. The council plans a multi-channel approach, including online resources, forums, focus groups, and targeted outreach through existing services and voluntary sector partners. A workshop is scheduled for November to further engage committee members and gather their input before the formal consultation period.

Concerns were raised about the financial implications of supported housing, with officers noting that while some government funding may be available, particularly for rough sleeping initiatives, the strategy aims to ensure affordable options for residents through appropriate charging for rents and service charges. The impact of national legislation, such as the Renters Reform Act, on housing provision and homelessness was also mentioned as a factor to consider in delivery.

The committee was assured that the strategy would be a living document, reviewed annually and intended to run from 2027 to 2031, with a commitment to adapting to changing needs and challenges. The officers were tasked with reflecting on the committee's questions and feedback to refine the consultation materials and inform the final strategy and action plan.