Supported Housing Improvement Programme
Lancaster City Council is currently part of a Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government scheme called the Supported Housing Improvement Programme (SHIP). The scheme aims to raise the quality of supported housing, understand the scale of need, ensure it offers good value for money, and assess its impact on local communities.
As part of the programme, the local authority is conducting a comprehensive review of all supported housing in Lancaster. This involves working collaboratively with Housing Standards, Housing Benefits, Housing Options, external agencies, and accommodation providers to ensure quality and compliance.
The reviews focus on ensuring that:
• the standard of accommodation is in line with Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) guidance
• support provided to the resident is of a high standard, person-centred and relevant
• value for money exists
• the level of support meets the requirements of 'Exempt Accommodation' under Housing Benefit Regulations, where the landlord claims to be providing care, support, or supervision to its tenants.
During the reviews we have carried out so far, improvements have been identified in both property standards and the quality of support.
If you or someone you know who is currently residing in supported accommodation and you wish to provide feedback or raise a concern regarding the support or accommodation, then please complete this form: Tenant feedback form
Guidance for new supported housing schemes
Lancaster City Council is committed to:
• ensuring that the current Supported Accommodation in place meets the current and future needs of the City
• ensuring that Supported Accommodation provided in the City is appropriately used and managed
Supported Accommodation Questionnaire
If you are interested in providing Supported Accommodation within the Lancaster City Council area, please complete our online questionnaire.
This questionnaire will aid the Council in ensuring that supported accommodation within the City provides value for money, is relevant to the City's needs, and is of high quality.
The Council also seeks to ensure affordable move-on accommodation is available.
Last updated: 25 March 2026