MHCLG published terms of reference on 9 June 2026 for a new Supported Housing Advisory Panel, which will advise government on the rollout of the Supported Housing Act 2023. Landlords providing exempt or supported accommodation should monitor the panel's work, as it will inform national standards and locally led licensing schemes that will affect their operations.
Panel established. On 9 June 2026, MHCLG published terms of reference for the new Supported Housing Advisory Panel, setting out its functions and strategic objectives. The panel's purpose is to offer the government independent, expert advice and insight on matters relating to all forms of supported housing.
Regulatory context. The Supported Housing Act was introduced to tackle poor-quality exempt accommodation in England and protect tenants with support needs, with measures including new national standards and locally led licensing schemes. These licensing schemes, once active, will impose new obligations on providers of exempt accommodation ? including private landlords who contract with support providers to house vulnerable tenants ? in respect of property standards, support quality and registration.
Relevance to PRS landlords. Private landlords who let properties used as exempt accommodation ? where housing benefit can exceed local housing allowance levels ? fall within scope of the Supported Housing Act. The advisory panel's work is expected to shape the detail of national standards and to inform when local authorities will be empowered to introduce mandatory licensing in their areas. Landlords in this segment should treat the panel's establishment as an early indicator that the regulatory framework for supported housing is moving toward implementation.
Next steps. MHCLG has not yet announced a commencement date for the licensing provisions of the Supported Housing Act. Landlords and managing agents active in this space should watch for further secondary legislation and panel recommendations, and ensure their management arrangements and property standards are capable of meeting a higher regulatory bar when licensing goes live.
Action required
Landlords operating in the exempt or supported accommodation sector should monitor MHCLG publications and the panel's outputs. Review obligations under the Supported Housing Act 2023, including forthcoming national standards and local licensing scheme requirements.
Effective
2026-06-09
This content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Always verify information against the original source and seek independent professional guidance before acting on any regulatory matter.