The Levelling up, Housing and communities (LUHC) Committee has published a report into exempt accommodation and support services, branding the system a ‘complete mess’ that is failing far too many people in vulnerable situations such as those fleeing domestic abuse and experiencing homelessness.
The report puts forward a series of recommendations, including closing the loopholes that enable landlords to make vast sums of money through housing benefit claims and introducing compulsory national minimum standards for exempt accommodation providers.
Crisis has been calling on the Government to step in and tackle the issue of rogue landlords within the exempt accommodation sector, which the charity says are ruining people’s lives and preventing them from moving on from homelessness. It is urging the Government to back the Supporting Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Bill, which will be introduced in parliament In November. The Bill will introduce tighter regulation on exempt accommodation providers and protect people from exploitation and abuse.
Matt Downie, Crisis Chief Executive, comments: “This committee report lays bare the serious failings in the exempt accommodation sector that have allowed people to be exposed to some of the worst examples of exploitation and abuse that we have seen. From being forced to live in damp, mould infested rooms to being harassed, held at knifepoint by landlords, and in the worst incidents sexually assaulted, our clients have bravely spoken out time and time again about the need for immediate action.
“Now, with this report adding further weight to their calls we would urge the Government to get on with implementing these recommendations through the Supporting Housing Bill, which would give councils the power to stop rogue landlords providing exempt accommodation. There can be no delay – it’s essential we close the loopholes that are enabling people to profit from hardship and ensure that people are given the help, support and space they need to leave homelessness behind.”