In August 2022, Blackburn with Darwen, recognized as a critical hub for homeless and at-risk individuals, received significant financial assistance from the UK government. The borough was granted a substantial sum of £946,000 from Whitehall, aimed at enhancing the oversight and standards of properties utilized for accommodating vulnerable individuals. This influx of funds was intended to be spread over a three-year period, enabling local authorities to execute vital inspections and upgrades to the supported housing scheme in the region.
However, as the deadline for the funding approaches, Blackburn with Darwen Council faces the imminent challenge of a financial void. The funds allocated from the government’s Supported Housing Improvement Programme are scheduled to cease on March 31. Town hall officials have received communication from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government indicating further delays in the continuation of the programme, leaving local authorities in a precarious position regarding their ongoing support initiatives.
In response to this looming budget gap, the council’s finance lead, Councillor Vicky McGurk, has stepped in to authorize the transfer of £189,796 from the council’s reserves. This measure is intended to bridge the funding shortfall for the upcoming 12 months beginning April 1, during which time the government is expected to deliberate on the necessary framework to sustain the national programme. McGurk has underscored the urgency of the situation in a report to her colleagues, stating that the delays from the ministry could have severe repercussions for the ongoing monitoring of supported housing providers and, consequently, the welfare of some of the borough’s most vulnerable residents.
In her statement, Councillor McGurk expressed the council’s concerns directly to the ministry and has formally requested additional funding to ensure the continuity of essential services. She articulated the necessity of adopting a temporary solution to ensure that the progress made thus far is not lost and that the established monitoring programmes remain intact. According to her, utilizing the welfare reserve fund will enable the supported housing improvement team to persist in their work throughout the 2025/26 fiscal year. The estimated maximum cost of this temporary measure stands at £189,796, and it is anticipated that this funding will only be required for a maximum of 12 months.
In a broader context, this funding situation reflects the government’s initiative announced in July 2022, which aimed to implement new strategies for the review, monitoring, and enhancement of supported accommodation across the country. Blackburn with Darwen Council was, therefore, successful in securing a substantial amount of funding, which assisted in significantly expanding their capabilities. With this funding, the local authority increased its dedicated resources for supported accommodation from one full-time equivalent (FTE) worker to a robust team of four alongside an additional 1.5 FTE caseworkers from Shelter, a prominent housing and homelessness charity.
This expanded team has proven to be crucial in maintaining oversight over supported housing providers and ensuring that they meet established standards. The ongoing efforts have centered around several essential activities, including the inspection of houses in multiple occupation (HMO) properties. It is important to note that a considerable portion of residents living in supported accommodation are housed in HMO properties, making these inspections critical for safeguarding vulnerable individuals’ well-being.
To date, over the last two and a half years, the supported housing improvement team has conducted 247 informal visits and full inspections across various properties. This proactive and rigorous approach to oversight is not only about maintaining housing quality but also emphasizes the importance of regular engagement with residents. Engaging with residents is one of the most effective ways to evaluate the quality of supported accommodation and identify areas needing improvement. Over the past two years, the team has undertaken 341 formal support reviews, gathering valuable feedback to address safeguarding issues and vulnerabilities that residents may face.
The feedback collected from these assessments serves two primary purposes: it allows the council to identify safeguarding and vulnerability issues within the supported accommodation context, and it provides insights into residents’ needs and experiences. Moreover, through continuous interaction and support, the team has been able to assist residents who may no longer require ongoing support, guiding them toward transitioning into mainstream housing. This gradual and thoughtful approach to housing support not only aids individual residents but also promotes a more sustainable long-term housing strategy.
Financially, the impact of the team’s dedicated work has been significant. Since the summer of 2022, they have accounted for impressive savings in Housing Benefit expenditures, totaling £1,458,559 per annum. These savings are not merely numbers; they represent substantial relief for local taxpayers, as they reflect a more efficient use of resources while enhancing the quality of life for vulnerable residents in Blackburn with Darwen.
Despite the challenges posed by the funding uncertainty, the commitment of the Blackburn with Darwen Council to prioritize the welfare of its residents remains evident. The team’s work in monitoring and improving supported accommodation ensures that vulnerable individuals receive the necessary support they need to navigate the complexities of housing, especially in a landscape that can be overwhelmingly difficult to traverse without adequate assistance.
Looking ahead, the temporary solution proposed by Councillor McGurk is crafted not just as a stopgap measure but as a strategic approach to ensure that the essential functions of the supported housing improvement team can continue without disruption. The council is positioning itself to maintain a strong advocacy for further funding from the government while simultaneously taking immediate, proactive steps to secure the welfare of its residents during this transition period.
The borough is acutely aware that the pressures of homelessness and housing insecurity are not only local issues but reflect broader national problems needing systemic responses. As the government re-evaluates its approach to supported housing, Blackburn with Darwen demonstrates a model of local resilience, dedication, and a commitment to fostering a supportive community for those who are at risk of falling through the cracks of the housing system.
In conclusion, as the clock ticks down to the funding cut-off date, the Blackburn with Darwen Council’s strategic measures and advocacy for continued support set a commendable example for other regions grappling with similar challenges. The efforts made thus far to bolster supported accommodation illustrate the critical importance of local government intervention in addressing housing insecurity and supporting vulnerable populations. The real test, however, will be the outcome of government deliberations regarding future funding, which will ultimately determine how effectively Blackburn with Darwen can sustain and build upon the improvements achieved over the past years. The local council continues to navigate these complex issues with determination and foresight, ensuring that the needs of its residents remain at the forefront of their endeavours.