New data uncovered by a BirminghamLive investigation has revealed that the number of people living in 'exempt' supported housing properties in Birmingham has tripled since just before the Covid-19 pandemic. There are now 33,904 individuals residing in 12,166 properties funded by enhanced housing benefits, according to the probe by Politics and People Editor Jane Haynes.
The properties are spread across all 69 of the city's wards, with the worst-affected areas including North Edgbaston, Sparkbrook and Balsall Heath East – each containing more than 450 'exempt' properties. These properties are funded through enhanced housing benefits of between £200 and £400 per room per week, paid directly to providers rather than to tenants.
What does 'exempt' mean?
'Exempt' supported housing refers to accommodation that is exempt from certain housing benefit restrictions, allowing providers to claim higher rents. The BirminghamLive probe found that the rapid expansion of such properties is dramatically changing neighbourhoods, with long-standing families increasingly moving out of areas that have become saturated with these hostels.
Police chiefs and MPs have connected the rising number of properties to criminality, anti-social behaviour and violence. They claim there are strong links to organised crime in some areas of the city, raising serious concerns about community safety. The concentration of 'exempt' properties has led to fears that certain wards are becoming overrun, fundamentally altering the character of residential areas.
Potential benefits when properly managed
When well-run and properly supported, these properties can be a lifeline for vulnerable groups. They provide accommodation for young people leaving care, individuals experiencing family breakdowns, victims of abuse, people struggling with mental health issues and recovering addicts. In such cases, the support can transform lives and offer stability to those who need it most.
However, the probe found that the sector is too often blighted by reports of poor tenant vetting, bullying and internal conflicts, a lack of adequate support, and multiple safeguarding failures. These issues have amplified concerns among residents and officials about the quality and safety of some accommodation.
Council calls for new powers
Birmingham City Council has acknowledged that its efforts to limit expansion are often compromised by the lack of regulations and powers linked to the sector. Earlier this month, at a meeting of the full council, there was cross-party agreement to press the Government to accelerate the introduction of planned new powers to better regulate exempt supported accommodation.
The findings of the BirminghamLive probe highlight an urgent need for action. As the number of exempt properties continues to rise, balancing the needs of vulnerable residents with the concerns of established communities will be a key challenge for the city. The council, police and government all have a role to play in addressing this growing issue, but without new regulations, the situation may deteriorate further.
