Purpose

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is
informed by the requirements of the Supported Housing (Regulatory
Oversight) Act 2023, which places a statutory duty on Local
Authorities in England to develop and deliver Local Supported
Housing Strategies. Local authorities are required to assess the
current availability of supported housing in the district and
assess the likely need (including current unmet need) for supported
housing for a period of five years from the date that the strategy
is published.
The Memorandum of Understanding (‘MOU’) sets out the
terms, principles and practices that will apply to the working
relationship between the Ministry of Housing, Communities &
Local Government (‘MHCLG’) and local authorities
regarding the administration and delivery of Strategies across 2025
– 2026 (further funding to be provided for 2028 and
2029).
MHCLG will allocate funding of £39 million to Local
Authorities across 2025 - 2029 for them to develop their
strategies. This MOU addresses the funding for 2025 – 2026,
totalling £19 million. The allocation to Tendring is
£53,548.
The goals of the grant are for LAs to:
i.Develop and publish a Local Supported Housing Strategy that sets
out the strategic direction and delivery plan.
ii.Produce needs assessments by assessing the current availability
of all types of supported housing within each district, and project
the likely need for supported housing during the five years from
the date the strategy is published.

Content

To enter into a memorandum of understanding
with the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government in
respect of funding for Local Supported Housing Strategies.

Alternative options considered

As the supported housing strategy must be in
place just prior to the commencement of the shadow authorities it
is likely that the strategy will be developed jointly with those
authorities that Tendring will be forming a unitary authority
with.
A supported housing advisory panel has been set up in Essex that
the Assistant Director for Housing & Environment has been
attending. Through this group we will guide the development of the
strategies across Essex to ensure a consistent approach and
alignment in respect of LGR.