Birmingham ‘Abandoned by Government’ as Supported Exempt Housing Crisis Deepens

Birmingham is grappling with a growing crisis in the supported exempt accommodation sector, with campaigners and councillors accusing the government of abandoning the city by delaying much-needed regulation reforms until 2027.

Currently, more than 32,000 people live in over 11,000 supported exempt accommodation properties across Birmingham — making it the national hotspot for this controversial housing model. Councillor Lisa Trickett, chair of the council’s homes scrutiny committee, highlighted the scale of the problem, equating it to “two Castle Vales or five Druids Heaths.” She emphasized the harsh impact on residents and neighbourhoods across the city.

The sector, worth over £300 million annually in Birmingham alone, houses some of the city’s most vulnerable people, including ex-prisoners, those recovering from addiction, individuals with mental health issues, rough sleepers, care leavers, and victims of violence. Some providers receive upward of £400 per week per room in public funding for “hard to house” tenants.

Despite the scale of the problem, legislative action promised by the government has repeatedly been deferred. Councillor Trickett expressed frustration over the delayed regulations, warning the ongoing situation affects hundreds of streets and communities citywide. “We cannot leave members of the public to put up with this problem much longer,” she asserted.

Stephen Philpotts, Birmingham City Council’s director of housing solutions and support services, acknowledged that while the passage of the Supported Housing Regulatory Oversight Act in 2023 was a positive step, subsequent government action has been slow. “We have yet to see a response to the consultation ended last May or the start of the next phase,” he said.

The council’s multi-agency Supported Housing team, funded as a pilot project and recently backed with an additional £1.5 million, has made strides at the local level by inspecting thousands of properties and addressing tenant and community complaints. To date, 99 properties have been decommissioned, 975 people evicted for anti-social behaviour or crime, and 48 community protection orders issued. However, only one property has been fully shut down.

Philpotts also noted that some providers deliver high-quality accommodation and support commissioned by the council. The authority has introduced a voluntary quality standards scheme, with just 15% of providers achieving Bronze, Silver, or Gold accreditation to date.

Without stronger government regulations granting enforcement powers, local efforts to address substandard housing remain limited. Philpotts acknowledged the ongoing distress caused to neighbourhoods and the homelessness services struggling to cope.

He also cited concerns about the displacement effects as people move into exempt accommodation across the city, noting that the government is engaged in broader discussions on homelessness and its displacement nationwide.

Councillor Trickett called for stronger collaboration from all political parties, police, housing benefits teams, and the Regulator of Social Housing to end systemic abuse. “We have sent letters signed by all political group leaders demanding action, but without government backing and enforcement powers, the exploitation will continue. Birmingham is being used as a cash cow,” she said.

A spokesperson from the Ministry of Housing, Local Government and Communities responded, stating: “We are committed to improving the regulation and quality of supported housing to protect residents and provide necessary support.” They confirmed implementation of new measures would begin this month, focusing on guidance issuance, but full legislation is not expected before next year.

With the crisis worsening, residents and communities throughout Birmingham continue to call for urgent government intervention to bring regulation, oversight, and dignity to supported exempt accommodation.