The government today published a policy statement on the future of supported housing.
The government defines supported housing as any housing scheme where accommodation is provided alongside care, support or supervision to help people live independently.
According to the policy statement, the government wants to improve local planning for supported housing.
It says that a new "planning and oversight regime will be introduced to ensure that local areas are best able to provide for their vulnerable citizens, and that the accommodation represents both quality and value for money".
It says that local authorities "will be asked to work in partnership with other local partners (including tenants or representatives) to produce a local strategic plan for supported housing, and to undertake an assessment of provision and need for all supported housing groups".
It says that assessments should include a profile of existing provision; a description of current demand, and a description of any current or projected gaps in provision.
A consultation on the policy statement runs until 23 January 2018.