Commenting on Government’s decision to pause a rent reduction cut for supported housing, Jacob Tas, Chief Executive of social justice charity, Nacro said:
“We welcome Government’s decision to exempt supportive housing from a one per cent rent reduction in 2016-17. It is a small, but significant step which means they have listened to charities, like Nacro, and will secure vital support for the most vulnerable people in our communities for another year.
“Nevertheless, the decision not to fully exempt supported housing from rent reduction throughout this Parliament is a concern and fails to secure its long-term future.
“We know that safe, secure and affordable homes are crucial to creating communities that are crime free and that generate opportunities. Nacro provides 70 supported housing programmes to more than 1,200 people in England and Wales.
“For half a century, we have been providing support for individuals in challenging situations, who, with our help, get their lives back on track. Unlike larger housing associations, we do not have the margins available to absorb such cumulative reductions in rent.
“We believe the impact of social rent cuts on supported housing is an unintended consequence of wider government policy.
“By securing a pause, we hope that Ministers will take time to work with charities like Nacro to find long-term solutions to funding supported housing across communities in England and Wales.”