Supported Housing Needs Study

The Council is legally required to produce a Supported Housing Strategy by 31 March 2027. The first and most critical stage of this work is the commissioning of a Supported Housing Needs Study, which will provide the evidence base required to develop the Strategy and associated action plan. The Needs Study will assess current and future supported housing need across Westmorland and Furness and will cover all supported housing client groups, including: • Older people (including extra care, supported living, retirement and sheltered housing) • People with a learning disability • People with a physical disability • People with autism • People with mental ill health • Children and young people (16-17) with care and support needs, including those in transition • Care leavers (up to age 25) • Young people at risk of or experiencing sexual exploitation • People experiencing or recovering from drug or alcohol dependence • People with experience of the criminal justice system, including prison leavers • Young people under 25 at risk of homelessness with support needs • People with children fleeing sexual and domestic abuse • Veterans and Armed Forces families This study will directly inform the Supported Housing Strategy, which will then be drafted in house, consulted upon and brought to Cabinet for approval by March 2027.