Homeless support law 'doesn't go far enough', warns Emmaus Cambridge boss
A new report by the charity sets out issues it wants to see resolved
The boss of a local homeless charity fears a two-year limit on people in supported housing will pose a risk to those in need.
Under Government housing benefit guidance, people "in crisis" can access short-term supported housing including hostels and domestic abuse refuges for a maximum of two years, before being expected to move into more settled accommodation.
It's one area that could be made law as part of the Government's Supported Housing Act (SHA) to improve the standard of supported accommodation, such as bringing in better protection for residents at risk of eviction by rogue landlords.
"One of the biggest issues for us is if somebody moves on, where do they move to?" Donna Talbot, chief executive at Emmaus Cambridge, said.
"When we have the housing shortages we currently experience, we can ready somebody for the future, but if we can't get them into affordable housing, social housing or other supported accommodation, that's going to be a real problem."
We have asked the Government for comment.
Key recommendations set out
At Emmaus Cambridge - which supports up to 48 people at any one time - there is no limit on how long someone can live and work there before moving on.
The national charity launched a new report which looks at how the SHA can deliver for both residents and providers at a recent event in Westminster.
The report also set out recommendations for both national and local government to follow when setting out the SHA, including:
• Purposeful activity: structured learning, training and work experience are central to residents' mental health, stability and successful move-on from supported housing;
• Community and social connection: peer support and community living protect against isolation and relapse;
• Security and flexibility of stay: recovery requires time and stability, and a rigid two-year limit on transitional accommodation risks undermining person-centred support;
• Protection from homelessness: local authorities must have contingency plans in place to rehouse residents if schemes close, and must be held to account for doing so.
"One of the virtues of the report is the chance it gives to tenants to stress that supported housing is about more than just shelter," Paula Barker MP, co-chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Ending Homelessness, said.
"I strongly agree with the call by Emmaus for Government guidance to clarify that support should mean purposeful activities like training, education and work experience, as well as being part of a community."
'Time frame' won't tackle homelessness - charity boss
Formed in 1991, Emmaus supports people - known as 'companions' - who have been or at risk of homeless with accommodation at its site in Landbeach.
Those who rely on this accommodation are asked to contribute to the charity's social enterprise, such as working in the kitchen, the donation hub or in its shop.
Ms Talbot supports the SHA and what it looks to achieve, but fears a two-year limit will only spur on homelessness rather than eradicate it.
"We do understand it should be an aim and we're not disregarding that, but we've worked with people who have experienced cycles of homelessness," she said.
"It doesn't help by having a time frame on it for people to address some of the issues they have, especially when there are multiple and complex issues."
Emmaus' 'Rebuilding Lives' report also found that a a 75% cut in Government funding for supported housing between 2010 and 2020 has led to supported housing schemes closing across the country, with more services at risk.
Out of the 581 responses to a Government consultation on the SHA - including from local authorities and residents - most agreed to a new licensing regime which includes all types of supported housing.
"We hear a lot about the importance of community, and that's something we feel this Act doesn't go far enough with," Ms Talbot added.
"What we have proposed has been shaped by people who've experienced it (homelessness), so we feel confident if we can keep sharing their stories and their voices are heard, we can keep moving in the right direction."
A further consultation on the SHA is expected later this year.