LHAs can be forgiven if they haven’t thought much about the Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act 2023, what with everything else that’s going on. It will have a significant impact on housing teams, so take a look below at a summary of some of the key things that are expected.  

What it’s all about 

The Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act 2023 came into force on 29 August 2023 and introduced a framework for regulating supported exempt accommodation in England. A key part of this framework is a licensing regime that introduces specified standards.  

The government consultation on these upcoming regulations and the probable setup that the licensing scheme will take is out now. Part 1 of the consultation focuses on implementation of measures in the act. Part 2 focuses on Housing Benefit changes. The consultation provides a good insight into what the government is planning, so it’s a useful read and an opportunity to have your say. 

Licensing regulations 

The act grants the secretary of state the authority to create regulations requiring supported accommodation to be licensed with the local housing authority (LHA). The forthcoming regulations will include details on such matters as fees, the application process, enforcement, etc., to be determined following the consultation. 

Designation of licensing areas 

The act allows for licensing to apply in designated areas, but it does not specify which areas will be covered or what criteria will be used. As part of the consultation, the government is proposing to introduce licensing across all LHAs in England. This will ensure that all residents are protected by licensing and the national supported housing standards. It will also allow for entitlement to Housing Benefit to be linked to the licensing scheme. The licensing regime will be designed and locally implemented, with LHAs leading on application and enforcement, in a similar manner to existing HMO licensing schemes. 

Licence conditions and requirements 

Licence holders and managers must be fit and proper. Conditions that aim to ensure that accommodation is safe, suitable and provides adequate support services may include: 

• The standard and use of the accommodation 

• The provision of care, support or supervision to residents 

• Compliance with the new National Supported Housing Standards. 

It is clear from these proposed standards that multidisciplinary teams will be needed, and private sector housing teams will need to work closely with social care colleagues. 

Enforcement and penalties 

Under the act, providing fraudulent information for a fit and proper person assessment, operating without the required licence or breaching licence conditions are likely to be offences. LHAs will be the enforcing authority and can expect to be granted powers to serve improvement notices, impose financial penalties and prosecute. Rent repayment orders and banning orders will also be available for failure to license, and LHAs will be able to vary and, in the most serious circumstances, revoke licences. 

Supported housing strategy 

As well as licensing, the act requires LHAs to enhance the oversight and quality of supported exempt accommodation and develop local supported housing strategies. They must assess and evaluate both the current availability and future requirements for supported housing within their areas, identify gaps or areas for improvement and plan for future demand. 

Implementation 

The consultation runs until 15 May 2025, with regulations envisaged later in the year. 

Contact us for further information on the above.

British Science Week is the perfect time to celebrate the scientists working tirelessly behind the scenes to protect public health. When people think of scientists, they often picture lab coats, test tubes and ground-breaking discoveries. But did you know that environmental health practitioners (EHPs) are scientists too? 

Environmental health is a vital, science-based profession that safeguards the health and well-being of communities. EHPs use scientific principles every day to ensure the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat and the places we live and work are safe. Their expertise spans microbiology, toxicology, epidemiology and environmental sciences, making them key players in protecting public health and preventing disease. 

Why environmental health matters 

EHPs play a critical role in tackling major health challenges. From investigating food poisoning outbreaks and ensuring food safety to reducing air pollution and preventing the spread of infectious diseases, their work directly impacts everyone’s quality of life. They conduct research, enforce health and safety laws and advise businesses and policymakers using scientific evidence. Whether they are inspecting restaurants, assessing housing conditions, or managing environmental hazards, EHPs apply science to solve real-life problems every day. 

The science behind the job 

Environmental health is grounded in science. EHPs analyse samples, assess risks and use data-driven methods to protect public health. They apply chemistry to test water quality, microbiology to prevent foodborne illness and environmental science to mitigate pollution. During public health crises, such as pandemics or climate-related disasters, EHPs work with public health colleagues to track disease outbreaks and implement measures to keep people safe. 

A career that makes a difference 

If you’re passionate about science and want to make a tangible difference in the world, becoming an EHP could be the perfect profession for you. It’s a career that combines scientific expertise with real-world action, solving problems, protecting lives, and shaping healthier communities. So this British Science Week, let’s celebrate the incredible science behind environmental health and inspire the next generation of EHPs.  

RHE Global: Supporting environmental health 

RHE Global plays a pivotal role in supporting and advancing the environmental health profession, ensuring that practitioners are well-equipped to protect public health and safety. 

Comprehensive consulting services 

RHE Global offers expert consulting across housing, community safety, private water supplies and acoustics and noise control. Our team provides strategic guidance to local authorities and housing associations, supporting delivery of high-quality services.   

Innovative technological solutions 

To enhance the efficiency of environmental health professionals, RHE Global has developed several software tools:

• The Noise App: A user-friendly application that allows professionals to investigate and manage noise-related issues effectively.  

• The Housing App: The app that facilitates property inspections, surveys and assessments, streamlining the process of recording defects and evaluating building conditions. 

• RIAMS Libraries: An extensive knowledge management system that offers regularly updated procedures, forms, notices and guidance tailored across all environmental health services. 

Dedicated training 

Recognising the importance of continued professional development, RHE Training delivers targeted training courses, designed for the public sector, to enhance skills, knowledge and competence in environmental health, housing and community safety.   

Active engagement 

RHE Global fosters collaboration and knowledge-sharing among environmental health professionals through RIAMS Communities, a professional online forum where local authority practitioners and subject matter experts network, ask questions and benefit from peer-to-peer support. 

At The Noise App, we’re dedicated to improving the way noise complaints are handled and investigated. Noise pollution is a growing issue, and its impacts are not just a nuisance – they can be deeply harmful. In some tragic cases, persistent noise can even lead to loss of life when risks are not identified early enough. For this reason, we have directed resources to the development of the new Safeguarding feature, now available to all subscribers.

Traditionally, investigating noise complaints has relied on paper diary sheets and subjective reports, which, while valuable, have inherent limitations. One of the most significant challenges is ensuring that risks to individuals are properly recognised and acted upon. In many instances, a failure to identify the potential harm caused by ongoing noise disturbances can result in delayed intervention, making it harder to prevent further escalation of the situation.

The new Safeguarding tool on The Noise App is designed to circumvent such issues. It offers a proactive, efficient approach to identifying and managing risk in noise investigations. This feature leverages the power of digital technology to support investigating officers in their work, enabling them to spot risk factors and take appropriate action quickly.

How it works 

The key to this new functionality is the app’s ‘digital comments’ section. When users report noise disturbances, they can now include notes about the situation. These comments are then automatically analysed by The Noise App’s Safeguarding tool, which identifies any potential risks based on the information provided. If a risk is flagged, a safeguarding marker is created, alerting the investigating officer to assess the situation in detail.

This innovation ensures that no potential danger is overlooked, even in complex cases. By automating the risk identification process, The Noise App helps officers to make faster, better-informed decisions, which can be crucial when it comes to protecting individuals from harm. The ability to identify safeguarding concerns in this way means that vulnerable people are more likely to receive the help and support they need at the right time.

What makes this feature particularly exciting is its potential to improve the overall safety of communities. When investigating officers have access to clear, concise information about risks, they are better equipped to make decisions that prioritise the well-being of all involved. The Safeguarding tool also plays a crucial role in signposting customers to the appropriate services, ensuring they are given the right support, whether that be mental health assistance, social services or housing support.

Additional benefits

As well as offering increased safety and efficiency, the Safeguarding feature is a step towards modernising the way noise complaints are handled. By replacing paper-based systems with a digital solution, we’re helping to streamline the process and reduce the chances of human error. It’s all about creating a system that works smarter, not harder, and delivers the best possible outcomes for everyone involved.

At The Noise App, we understand that safeguarding is more than just a feature – it’s a vital part of protecting people and improving their quality of life. With The Noise App’s new functionality, investigating officers can take swift action to ensure that risks are mitigated, support is provided, and lives are protected. We’re proud to lead the way in this important area, and we’re excited to continue working towards safer, quieter communities for all.

The Noise App – Keeping Communities Safe, One Noise Complaint at a Time

Contact the team for further information The Noise App or our commitment to safeguarding.

We have launched an e-learning easy guide to the Renters’ Rights Bill on RIAMS Libraries – available here.  

It is aimed at PSH practitioners and seeks to provide an overview of the bill, what is coming and what it will mean for enforcement teams.  

The guide is free for RIAMS Libraries subscribers. If your local authority does not subscribe, you can still access a summary version here and contact us for a free trial and demonstration of the platform.  

The Renters’ Rights Bill (RRB) is going through the parliamentary process. Once introduced, it aims to reform and transform the private rented sector in England by enhancing tenants’ rights and protections.  

The guide focuses on the areas affecting practitioners working in private sector housing (PSH) teams in England and explains the requirements as they currently stand. As the bill progresses to become the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, updates and more details will be provided.   

Jeremy Manners, Chief Editor of RIAMS, noted:  

The impact that the Renters’ Rights Bill will have on the PRS in England cannot be underestimated. It will change the way that people rent and has significant implications for local housing authorities across England. The upcoming tenancy reforms bring with them a range of new powers and duties for LHAs, requiring knowledge and resources to ensure they are applied effectively. This guide will assist practitioners in understanding the basics of the proposals, particularly around standards, enforcement and redress, so that they can prepare for the new duties that will soon be placed on them.

RIAMS Libraries is a digital database of procedures, documents, notice templates and forms, supporting local authorities by covering all aspects of environmental health.