Lack of housing ‘putting strain’ on mental health services
More than £100 million was spent by the NHS last year on mental health patients stuck in hospital because of a lack of suitable housing.
The NHS spent more than £100 million in one year on mental health patients stuck in hospital because of a lack of suitable housing.
Experts say many people are stuck in beds they no longer need, causing extra costs and harming their recovery.
In February 2026, patients waiting for supported housing accounted for 23% of all mental health delayed discharge days, according to the report from the Royal College of Psychiatrists, Look Ahead and the National Housing Federation.
And in 2024/25, delayed discharges due to housing caused 121,695 additional hospital bed days, costing the NHS around £102 million, the authors said.
“Thousands of people who are clinically ready to leave hospital remain in inpatient settings because there is nowhere suitable for them to go,” the authors wrote.
And putting people in “inappropriate or unstable” housing can trigger “relapse and readmission in a damaging and costly ‘revolving door’ cycle,” they added.
“Across hospital services, many patients are clinically ready for discharge but experience delays due to a lack of appropriate housing and community support options,” said Dr Jon Van Niekerk, chair of the Royal College of Psychiatrist’s General Adult Faculty.
“Secure and appropriate housing is a fundamental component of effective mental health care.
“Greater alignment between health and housing policy is essential to ensure people can leave hospital safely and sustain their recovery in the community.”
“Huge cost to both individuals and the NHS”
Chris Hampson, chief executive at Look Ahead, which delivers mental health hospital discharge services across London and the South East, said: “When supported housing is available, people recover faster, avoid relapse and don’t cycle back through inpatient care.
“But when the right housing and support isn’t there, people are left waiting in hospital beds they no longer need, at huge cost to both individuals and the NHS.
“Supported housing must be recognised and funded as core mental health infrastructure, not as an optional add-on.”
The Department of Health and Social are has been approached for comment.