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Supported Housing Improvement Programme

Supported Housing Improvement Programme (SHIP)

Gloucester City Council is undertaking a review of all exempt accommodation in the Gloucester city area, as part of the Governments Supported Housing Improvement Programme (SHIP). 

 What will the council be doing? 

Over the next two and a half years the council will be undertaking reviews of all supported housing accommodation with a view to ensuring decent accommodation is provided and all charges attributable to the supported housing accommodation are reasonable and delivered. 

These reviews will include: 

  • Inspections of accommodation standards and property management.
  • Reviews of the support provided to residents.
  • Enhanced scrutiny of new and existing Housing Benefit claims.
  • Strategic planning, based on need and supply assessments.

 The key aim of the programme is to work with supported accommodation providers and, in some cases, the commissioning team at County Council to work towards a quality assured accreditation which produces successful outcomes for providers and service users.  We are working to introduce a benchmark of certain standards commensurate with the provision of supported housing. 

 More information about the SHIP project can be found on the government website - Supported Housing Improvement Programme prospectus - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) 

 When will you review my accommodation?

The supported housing review is an ongoing programme which is taking place over the next two and a half years.  The council will let landlords and tenants know prior to the reviews taking place at their accommodation.

 What do supported accommodation providers need to do? 

Prior to reviewing a specific provider portfolio the council will contact that provider directly.  The council will write to arrange a suitable date and time to inspect all supported accommodation held by that provider, and will ask for a named contact to liaise directly with.

The council will also advise tenants of inspections and issue Housing Benefit review applications for completion and return, and will require supporting evidence to corroborate all service charges.  

For a PDF copy of the housing benefit review form for supported housing please click here (PDF, 189.2 KB)

If you require a copy in word format, please email the SHIP team at ship@gloucester.gov.uk