A strategy for specialist and supported housing in Devon is to be developed over the next 10 months.
Devon County Council’s Cabinet has approved its Specialist and Supported Housing Needs Assessment report and will continue to work closely with district, city and borough councils in the county to produce a strategy.
The findings of the assessment report estimate future need for supported and specialist housing and accommodation in Devon (but not including Plymouth and Torbay).
It has highlighted that demand for supported and specialist housing will increase significantly across all groups of people considered by the report. This includes older people, people with learning disabilities, physical/sensory disability, those who are autistic, vulnerable young people including care leavers, teenage parents, people with an alcohol or drug related need, and those who are homeless.
The assessment reflects a growing need for a wider mix of housing and care options to meet people’s different needs and support their independence.
The ageing population in the county is the single biggest driver of future housing demand. Devon’s population aged 65+ is forecast to increase by 36% by 2045, while the 75+ group is expected to increase by 52%.
The highest increases in demand are expected in Exeter, East Devon and Teignbridge. Rural areas face access challenges and limited provision despite smaller population sizes.
The need for the Specialist and Supported Housing Strategy is in response to the Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act 2023 which was introduced to establish National Supported Housing Standards, in order to tackle unsafe or poor quality supported housing provision and to ensure supported housing meets genuine local needs.
Councillor Richard Keeling, Cabinet Member for Adult Services, said:
“This is a comprehensive assessment which supports evidence-based planning, and aligns housing with care, which is vitally important. It will also underpin investment in order to improve outcomes for vulnerable residents. We have a good track record of helping people to live independently and this will build on that while creating more choice. We want more appropriate residential care settings that support people with complex needs. The County Council will be working closely with district council partners to deliver a strategy which supports improved housing and ensures efficient use of resources.”
Councillor Simon Clist, Cabinet Member for Assets and Resources, said:
“There is a lack of affordable housing across Devon and the rest of the country, but the projected demand, particularly for extra care and supported housing, is continuing to increase. There needs to be a substantial increase in supported housing delivery over the next 20 years and that will be key to the success of this strategy. The evidence of this need for supported and specialist housing and accommodation provides a detailed baseline for the current local authorities in Devon and is future-proofed for local unitary council arrangements, regardless of the outcome.”
Councillor Mandy Ewings, Chair of the Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority’s Housing Advisory Group, said: “It is right and proper that the needs assessment identifies the lack of affordable housing as a key issue, given house-price affordability is an on-going challenge faced by our communities. This is a key priority for West Devon Borough Council and collectively for the Devon housing system, given that addressing the affordable housing challenge will provide the greatest benefit to the largest numbers of people. It is equally important that the report focusses on the needs of our vulnerable young people and our care leavers who we have a special responsibility for and to ensure they have access to suitable housing, making sure they have the best start in life and can fulfil their true potential.”
Devon County Council’s Health and Adult Care Scrutiny Committee will also be involved in the development of the Specialist and Supported Housing Strategy which has to be delivered by 31 March 2027.