In addressing the Conservative party at this year's conference, David Cameron said the government was committed to giving real help to the poorest and the most vulnerable. Now, with the closure of a consultation on the safety net that ensures decent housing for some of the most vulnerable people in our society, the government must prove its commitment to protecting those who most need its support.
Since measures were introduced in 1995, accommodation provided via exempt-accommodation regulations, as well as supported housing provided by residential social landlords, has been a vital safety net for vulnerable groups such as people with a disability, mental health problems and older people.
Today's rules mean that people with high support needs receive a higher level of housing benefit. This is used to pay for any special adaptations to these properties – promoting independent living – or to enable people to live close to their friends, family and other support networks.
Estimates suggest that 170,000 people depend on this system to keep a roof over their heads, 40,000 of whom are learning disabled. The consultation on supported housing and benefit reform, which closed last month, includes a proposal to replace the exempt-accommodation rules with a locally managed housing fund. Claimants with additional housing needs will no longer receive a stipend in their housing benefit, but will have to request extra funding from this housing pot held by their local authority.
This pot risks being raided by cash-strapped local authorities under enormous pressure to make budget savings, leading to a postcode lottery with unequal access to limited funding; many people in desperate need of housing support will no longer get it.
In the event, it will be their families and carers who are left to pick up the pieces. For the less fortunate, it will result in a return to institutional care, with claimants forced to live miles away from friends and family.
Although we agree that there is a need for reform of the regulations, any changes to exempt accommodation must have the right to a higher rate of housing benefit at their heart and support the move towards greater choice and control for disabled people.
These reforms will affect the lives of people with disability for a generation or more. We must ensure that vulnerable people continue to be entitled to the financial support that will allow them to fulfil their potential and to participate fully in society.
Rossanna Trudgian is senior campaigns and policy officer at Mencap
This content is brought to you by Guardian Professional. Join the housing network for more like this direct to your inbox
