Two Cities MP, Nickie Aiken is pleased to have sat on the Bill Committee for her colleague, Bob Blackman MP, to support his Private Members' Bill, the Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Bill.
Exempt accommodation provides a vital service to some of the most vulnerable people in our society.
This includes people such as recent prison leavers; care leavers; those fleeing domestic violence; and homeless people with substance dependence or mental health issues. The care, support and supervision they are provided helps them to live as independently as possible in their communities.
The Bill introduces legislation, creating powers for the Secretary of State to introduce national standards for supported accommodation and require local authorities to create supported housing strategies.
As it stands, landlords are paid by the Department for Work and Pensions to provide proper help and support for their tenants. Sadly, there are rogue landlords who do not offer any such support. There are also currently no checks on who is living in these homes so domestic abuse survivors may be in the same block as a former prisoner who was convicted of domestic abuse or sexual assault. The Bill will ensure councils regulate the sector.
The Bill went through with cross-party support and is now at its Report Stage before it makes its way to the House of Lords. Nickie was delighted to work with neighbouring MP, Felicity Buchan MP, who is the Minister responsible for taking this important Bill forward.
