New data has uncovered thirteen areas in Birmingham that have become significant hotspots for ‘exempt’ hostels, which provide housing and support to homeless individuals and others in need. Several of these hotspots are located in some of the city’s most deprived neighbourhoods.
The wards most affected include North Edgbaston, Sparkbrook and Balsall Heath East, Soho and Jewellery Quarter, Aston, Stockland Green and Sparkhill, each hosting more than 450 ‘exempt’ properties. These hostels accommodate people sent to Birmingham from across the UK, often attracted by advertised affordable supported housing or referred by local authorities, prisons, probation services, and charities.
An additional seven wards-Gravelly Hill, Alum Rock, Birchfield, Bordesley Green, Erdington, Bordesley and Highgate, and Handsworth-each have over 300 such properties.
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Our exclusive hotspot map provides a detailed breakdown of the number of supported exempt accommodation properties in every Birmingham ward. By hovering over your area, you can see the exact number of exempt properties and residents in your community.
Typically, supported exempt accommodation involves converting family homes into shared living spaces, housing between four and six individuals who often have complex needs. These residents must be claiming housing benefit, which is paid directly to providers. The rent, exempt from standard caps, allows landlords to charge between £200 and £400 per room per week. This extra charge is intended to cover maintenance costs and provide limited but appropriate support services.
However, due to limited regulation and oversight, the sector has developed a poor reputation, with concerns about financial exploitation and inadequate provision, despite some good services in the city. Neighbours in areas with high concentrations of these properties have reported increased anti-social behaviour and crime.
Currently, there are 33,904 residents living in 12,166 exempt properties across Birmingham, funded by enhanced housing benefits amounting to £200-£400 per week per room. This figure has tripled since 2018. Despite ongoing campaigns by resident groups for stricter controls, little change has been seen.
Birmingham City Council acknowledges that the ability to control the expansion of exempt accommodation is hindered by a lack of specific regulations and enforcement powers. A multi-agency team led by the council works to investigate complaints, conduct inspections, address anti-social behaviour and crime, improve property standards, and challenge unsupported housing benefit claims.
Efforts have been made to crack down on fraudulent claims, with multiple rejections issued. Additionally, the council runs a voluntary accreditation scheme for accommodation providers.
At a recent full council meeting, there was cross-party consensus on urging the Government to expedite new regulatory powers and to enforce licensing and planning requirements for all such properties. The council is also conducting an internal review of its handling of housing benefit claims related to exempt accommodation.
Residents currently living in supported exempt accommodation who wish to share their experiences are invited to contact [email protected].