BSH/HLN/Singles and Childless Couples Flexible Level Supported Housing Framework

Dear Registered Provider

Bristol City Council is delighted to announce the launch of a new flexible level supported housing framework for homeless individuals and childless couples. The city has witnessed a significant rise in homelessness, largely attributed to a combination of factors such as the Covid19 pandemic, escalating cost of living, welfare benefit reform, and the scarcity of affordable housing options. Presently, the council does not have a dedicated supported housing service for childless singles and couples, leaving them with non-supported Temporary Accommodation provided by private landlords. This innovative framework aims to provide multiple service providers with the means to offer supported alternatives to procured Temporary Accommodation.

As of June 2023, approximately 380 childless singles and couples occupy non-supported Temporary Accommodation and present with a variety of support needs. This initiative will cater to singles and couples without dependent children, to whom the council owes Part 7 of the Housing Act 1996. Given the chronic shortage of available social rented accommodation, this framework empowers Registered Providers, charities, and not-for-profit organisations to contribute new housing options to Bristol through direct lease or acquisition and renovation, to address this housing need.

The framework will operate alongside and complement the existing supported housing homelessness pathways, ensuring suitable accommodation for clients requiring housing with support. This Temporary Social Housing model, which is exempt from the Rent Standards formula rent empowers local authorities to adapt their supply of supported housing for homeless individuals around a core offering of supported accommodation. By commissioning new services under this model, Bristol City Council can quickly and effectively respond to the growing demand for housing-related homelessness services.

We seek to deliver flexible level support with housing, tailored to individual needs. It maximises the potential for successful transition to permanent, sustainable accommodation, ensuring a positive outcome for the individuals involved.

We are holding a Teams event to publicise the Framework in advance of a procurement exercise, where we will be able to provide further details around the service specification.

There will also be an opportunity to discuss our Supported Families Accommodation Framework which has recently been amended to allow a lease or acquisition based model.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/supported-housing-framework-for-homeless-individuals-and-childless-couples-tickets-669349942697?aff=oddtdtcreator

Best wishes