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The UK government confirmed £39 billion last month for its 10-year Social and Affordable Homes Programme (SAHP), a historic opportunity to reshape the housing and support landscape across England. With a focus on increasing the availability of social and affordable housing, the programme aims to address long-standing challenges, from overcrowding and homelessness to affordability and housing quality.
As the government calls on housing providers to “step up their ambition” and help deliver this decade of renewal, it is vital that the programme supports not just the quantity of housing available, but also the quality and suitability of accommodation for people with complex needs. For individuals transitioning from the criminal justice system or clinical settings, housing must be more than affordable; it must be supportive.
Supported accommodation combines safe, stable housing with wraparound services such as mental health care, addiction recovery, employment support, and life skills development. It is a proven model that not only improves individual outcomes but also reduces pressure on public services. According to the National Housing Federation, supported housing saves the public purse an estimated £3.5 billion annually.
The need is urgent. People released from prison without stable accommodation are nearly twice as likely to reoffend. In 2022, only 45.4% of prison leavers were released into settled accommodation, and nearly 12% were released directly into rough sleeping. These figures highlight the importance of housing that supports recovery and reintegration.
VCFSE organisations across the country specialise in providing this kind of accommodation, working with people transitioning from high-support environments such as prisons, hospitals, and care facilities. Each resident receives a personalised support plan, co-created with them and delivered in partnership with health, probation, and social care services. The approach is rooted in dignity, empowerment, and long-term outcomes.
This model works. Residents in such services report improved mental health, greater independence, and stronger community ties. Many go on to secure employment, reconnect with family, and contribute positively to society. In one women’s project, only 10% of participants reoffended: less than half the national average for women leaving prison.
As the SAHP rolls out, there is a valuable opportunity to collaborate across sectors to expand the reach and impact of supported accommodation. VCFSE organisations are ready to work with:
• Local authorities, to co-develop housing strategies and repurpose underused properties into supported accommodation
• NHS and Integrated Care Boards, to create hospital discharge pathways and embed housing support within community health teams
• Probation services, to design housing-led resettlement programmes that offer stability and coordinated care
• Housing associations, to form partnerships where VCFSE organisations deliver support services for residents
• Community organisations, to co-deliver wraparound services such as peer mentoring and cultural support
These partnerships not only improve outcomes for individuals but also strengthen communities and reduce long-term costs to public services.
The SAHP’s emphasis on long-term planning, financial stability, and a renewed partnership with the housing sector is encouraging. This is a moment to ensure that supported housing is part of that vision.
We encourage policymakers to consider the following:
• Allocate a defined portion of the SAHP to supported housing projects that include wraparound services.
• Recognise the long-term cost savings and social benefits of supported accommodation
• Partner with specialist providers in the VCFSE sector to co-design housing solutions for people with complex needs
• Involve people with lived experience in shaping housing policy and programme delivery
The housing crisis is not just about numbers; it’s about people. If we are to create a fairer, more inclusive society, we must ensure that everyone, regardless of their past or their challenges, has access to a home that supports their future.
With the right investment, the right partnerships, and the right vision, we can deliver homes that heal, support, and empower.
Because everyone deserves more than just housing. They deserve a home.
