Government Sets Out Functions of First Supported Housing Advisory Panel for England

England's framework for regulating supported housing has taken a further step forward. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has set out the role of the sector's first independent advisory body, the latest in a sequence of measures intended to raise standards and tackle poor-quality provision under the Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act 2023. ## What the panel will do

MHCLG has formally defined the remit of the new expert group. On 9 June 2026, the department published terms of reference for the panel, setting out its functions and strategic objectives.

The body is intended to give ministers an independent view across the breadth of the sector. Its stated purpose is to offer government independent, expert advice and insight on matters relating to all forms of supported housing.

Its work is tied closely to the rollout of the new regime. The panel will advise on implementation of the measures in the Act, and will help to review the licensing regime three years after its introduction.

• • The panel has 12 members from across the sector, including Charlotte Talbott of Emmaus UK and John Verge of Golden Lane Housing.
• • It will provide intelligence on emerging issues such as supply risks, providers entering and exiting the market, and trends in resident experience.
• • It will also advise on challenges and unintended consequences for supported housing supply, support policy development, and produce annual reports and advice papers.

The panel supports the creation of a stronger, more transparent oversight regime and aims to improve outcomes for residents and value for money for the public purse.

Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, 2026

The wider regulatory backdrop

The panel sits within a broader reform programme. The Act was introduced to tackle poor-quality exempt accommodation in England and protect tenants with support needs, with measures including new national standards and locally led licensing schemes.

The direction of travel was confirmed earlier this spring. The government published its consultation response on 16 April 2026, setting out its position on supported housing licensing, the National Supported Housing Standards, planning, and Housing Benefit changes, and the consultation itself received 581 responses.

Under the proposals, a mandatory local authority licensing regime will apply to most supported housing in England where residents can claim Housing Benefit, with providers needing to be licensed and to meet new National Supported Housing Standards. The six proposed standards cover person-centred support, empowerment, environment, staff and safeguarding, local need, and a statement of purpose.

Timing and sector response

Implementation will be phased over the coming years. Both MHCLG and DWP are now drafting regulations, with MHCLG expecting to consult on draft regulations in late 2026 before laying them in Parliament, meaning most provisions are unlikely to come into force before mid-2027.

One duty arrives sooner. Local authorities will be required to publish a local supported housing strategy by 31 March 2027 and then update it at least every five years, assessing local supply and future need in collaboration with social care and health partners.

Sector bodies have broadly welcomed the framework while pressing for funding. The Chartered Institute of Housing has highlighted the need for more and sustained investment if services are to match local needs, and Emmaus UK has called on government to address inadequate supported housing funding before it implements the new licensing regime.

With the advisory panel's role now defined and a further consultation on draft regulations expected later this year, the shape of England's supported housing regime is becoming clearer, even if full implementation remains some way off. Silkwood Group will continue to monitor how the licensing framework and National Supported Housing Standards develop as draft regulations emerge.

Sources

• • Inside Housing, Government sets out objectives of first advisory panel for supported housing
• • GOV.UK, Supported Housing regulation: consultation - government response
• • Homeless Link, Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act
• • Housing Today, 'Imperative to understand wider supported housing landscape', says CIH as MHCLG publishes guidance