A benefit cut too far – Nacro signs letter voicing concerns over supported housing

A joint letter signed by Nacro and other not-for-profit organisations voicing concern over supported housing was published in the Guardian.
The content of the letter read as follows:

As not-for-profit organisations working with some of the most vulnerable people in our society, we voice our deep concern at the government’s plans to radically change the way they pay for supported housing.

Such housing provides safe and independent long- or short-term support for people with learning disabilities, women and children escaping domestic violence, older people, people living with mental illness, people who are homeless and others. Until now, they could rely on housing benefit to cover their rent and some service charges.

Yet, under government plans, their benefit will be capped and most will need a top-up from their local authority to fund this crucial help.

As local councils already face vast budget cuts, this will cause problems and uncertainty.

The current funding system is not perfect, but the proposed system jeopardises the wellbeing and safety of many vulnerable people – the human and financial costs could be great.

This can only spell bad news for our NHS, care and other public services left to pick up the pieces. We urge a new fair funding system, built on the actual needs of vulnerable people.

The full list of signatories were:

Jacob Tas, Nacro

Mark Winstanley, Rethink Mental Illness

Caroline Abrahams, Age UK

Lord Adebowale, Turning Point

Jacqueline De-Rose, Progress Housing Group

Matthew Eddisford, Care Housing Association

Jenny Edwards, Mental Health Foundation

Paul Farmer, Mind

Alastair Graham, Golden Lane Housing

Sarah Hughes, Centre for Mental Health

Peter Jenkins, Leonard Cheshire Disability

Brian Johnson, Metropolitan

Rick Henderson, Homeless Link

Gillian Morbey, Sense

Polly Neate, Women’s Aid

David Orr,National Housing Federation

Jan Tregelles, Mencap