13 Jan Setting the Standard featured as best practice in the Government’s New Homelessness Strategy

We are very proud to share that Setting the Standard (StS) has been highlighted as a best practice case study in the UK Government’s newly published National Plan to End Homelessness. The strategy names our pan-London temporary accommodation inspections service as a leading example of innovation, transparency and partnership working, and recognises the role Setting the Standard plays in improving a crucial element of the emergency response for people experiencing homelessness across the capital.

The government strategy sets out an ambitious mission, a key part of which is making people’s experiences better if they do become homeless. StS helps to achieve this through raising standards in temporary accommodation, particularly nightly paid studios and B&Bs used by local authorities. In the strategy, Setting the Standard is identified as a proven solution already making a meaningful difference. Operating across 31 boroughs, our specialist inspections team, shared evidence base, and transparent grading system help councils ensure properties are safe and suitable before placing vulnerable households.

The strategy also highlights how our approach allows risks to be identified quickly and responded to early. As participants in StS, boroughs can verify standards, act promptly when hazards are found, and, if necessary, remove unsuitable accommodation from use. The system gives them market oversight, and the ability collaborate with other boroughs – as in our Provider of Concern process.  Together, this all helps create a more accountable system and offers families and individuals greater stability at a time of significant stress.

Being recognised at national level is both an honour and a responsibility. Just before Christmas we had the great privilege of welcoming Rt Hon Steve Reed OBE MP, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, to see first-hand how Setting the Standard is transforming temporary accommodation across London. The Minister met with StS inspectors, borough representatives and residents to understand how the service is driving transparency and accountability in a market that previously lacked consistent oversight.

Over the coming year we will continue to strengthen our inspection framework, enhance our digital tools and support boroughs to improve the quality of accommodation available. Reducing the cost of and demand for temporary accommodation is a key priority in the new London Ending Homelessness Accelerator Programme (EHAP), and one of the ways set out to achieve this is the expansion of StS to cover a wider range of the Private Rented Sector being used as temporary accommodation, following the success of the service.

This work is only possible through collaboration. We are very grateful to London Councils and the 31 participating boroughs for their ongoing partnership, and to the many officers, inspectors and providers working every day to protect vulnerable households. Together, we will continue raising standards and ensuring that every Londoner facing homelessness is met with safety, dignity and respect.