New research published by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) investigates 'exempt and supported accommodation'.
Benefit expenditure for many local authorities has increased substantially over recent years on supported housing exempt from private sector rent restrictions. The research aimed to assess the extent and cost of this 'exempt accommodation' within local authorities and to identify the underlying reasons for the changes.
The main findings include:
Different claimant groups have different needs in terms of time for which they require supported housing.
The types and levels of support also differ; they can range from two carers to one individual (24 hour permanent assistance) to low level support on a temporary basis (for vulnerable young people).
The cost of non-registered social landlord 'exempt accommodation' claims is estimated at between £70 million and £130 million above rent officer determinations (there is considerable uncertainty around these figures).
The average additional housing costs appear to have increased by 85% from 2003/04 to 2009/10.
The findings support anecdotal evidence that there has been an increase in both the cost and the number of claims from those in 'exempt accommodation'.
While the regulations are straightforward, their interpretation has become increasingly complex, difficult to administer and lead to significant uncertainty.
DWP Research Report No. 714 'Exempt and supported accommodation'.
