The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is informed by the requirements of the Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act 2023, which places a statutory duty on Local Authorities in England to develop and deliver Local Supported Housing Strategies. Local authorities are required to assess the current availability of supported housing in the district and assess the likely need (including current unmet need) for supported housing for a period of five years from the date that the strategy is published.
The Memorandum of Understanding (‘MOU’) sets out the terms, principles and practices that will apply to the working relationship between the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (‘MHCLG’) and local authorities regarding the administration and delivery of Strategies across 2025 – 2026 (further funding to be provided for 2028 and 2029).
MHCLG will allocate funding of £39 million to Local Authorities across 2025 - 2029 for them to develop their strategies. This MOU addresses the funding for 2025 – 2026, totalling £19 million. The allocation to Tendring is £53,548.
The goals of the grant are for LAs to:
i.Develop and publish a Local Supported Housing Strategy that sets out the strategic direction and delivery plan.
ii.Produce needs assessments by assessing the current availability of all types of supported housing within each district, and project the likely need for supported housing during the five years from the date the strategy is published.

To enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government in respect of funding for Local Supported Housing Strategies.

As the supported housing strategy must be in place just prior to the commencement of the shadow authorities it is likely that the strategy will be developed jointly with those authorities that Tendring will be forming a unitary authority with.
A supported housing advisory panel has been set up in Essex that the Assistant Director for Housing & Environment has been attending. Through this group we will guide the development of the strategies across Essex to ensure a consistent approach and alignment in respect of LGR.