The Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act (2023)
New legislation called the Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act was introduced in 2023.
It will affect landlords and tenants living in supported exempt accommodation including those claiming their housing costs through housing benefit.
The aims of the act include:
- requiring councils to set up licensing schemes for supported exempt accommodation providers
- regulations around property standards and the support provided to vulnerable tenants
- creating a national expert advisory panel to advise on matters related to supported housing
- requiring local authorities in England to review supported housing in their areas and develop strategies to understand the current and future needs within their districts
- changing laws that currently define people as ‘intentionally homeless’ when leaving unsuitable supported exempt accommodation
- the sharing of information relating to licensing between local authorities, regulators, and government bodies
The act came into force on 29 August 2023 but is subject to further consultation before it is implemented.
Consultation
The government published an initial consultation on implementing measures set out in the Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act 2023. A further consultation is expected in early 2026.
The proposals in the consultation include the introduction of a locally led licensing regime for supported housing in England and new national standards for support.
The consultation also seeks views on potentially linking housing benefit to the licensing regime in England, and to new or existing frameworks in Scotland and Wales. It also seeks views on defining care, support, and supervision in Housing Benefit regulations in England, Scotland, and Wales.
The 2025 consultation was an opportunity for providers, residents, and stakeholders to help design an effective regulatory system that ensures supported housing delivers the support people need.
Based on the responses to the 2025 consultation the government announced draft regulations would be published for further consultation in early 2026.
Supported housing strategy
We are currently working on our supported housing strategy, which must be published by March 2027.
This will include a supported housing needs assessment based on current supported exempt accommodation provision.
Last updated 25 March 2026