Minister's pledge to improve housing during visit to Blackpool
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Mr Hughes, who is also minister for rough sleeping, said many vulnerable people were missing out on the support they needed while private landlords collected higher levels of housing benefit meant to pay for care.
In the poorest areas of Blackpool, 85 per cent of residents depend on housing benefit to pay their rent.
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Hide AdThe minister said: “This is the tragedy. We’re talking about supported housing but frequently that element of support is what’s missing.
“People are just taking the opportunity to charge higher rates with regards to housing benefit because it’s not limited, on the basis they are supposed to provide something that is more than minimal support.
“There is clearly an awful lot of accommodation being provided in Blackpool where that element is missing.
“These are vulnerable people who need that support in order to progress in life.
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Hide Ad“So we are keen to make sure good quality accommodation is provided with the support element and I think that will improve outcomes desperately needed for people in Blackpool.”
During his visit on Wednesday (June 29), Mr Hughes met with town hall leaders and visited housing projects including William Lyons House on Exchange Street which is run by Blackpool Coastal Housing, Elm House on Derby Road which is part of the Ashleigh Foundation, and properties on Springfield Road and Queen Street.
He also met with the Lived Experience team at Winstone House on Church Street whose members work with vulnerable people.
Mr Hughes added: “If you provide good quality decent homes for people to live in then they are going to have better health outcomes.”
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Hide AdBlackpool took part in a £700,000 government funded pilot study pilot study to explore how supported housing in the resort can be improved.
This has led to a new team being set up to provide a single point of contact for providers , while existing supported housing schemes have been reviewed.
Departments within the council including planning are also using their powers to ensure only quality providers are given permission to operate supported housing.