A new report from Heriot-Watt University shines a stark light on the systemic barriers preventing people with learning disabilities and complex needs from accessing appropriate housing across Scotland. According to the research, around 1,300 individuals are at risk of unnecessary hospital admissions or are stuck in unsuitable accommodations, which could be exacerbating the challenges they face in their everyday lives.
The Persistent Struggles for Appropriate Housing
The study, titled Housing for Complex Needs, reveals that despite over two decades of government policies designed to promote community-based living for those with learning disabilities, many still find themselves unable to access housing that fits their unique needs. Commissioned by NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde Specialist Learning Disability Services, alongside housing partners, the report paints a picture of a system that is hindered by significant barriers in planning, resource allocation, and collaboration among stakeholders.
Dr. Sacha Hasan, Assistant Professor of Human Geography at Heriot-Watt University, emphasized the issue in stark terms. “The reality is a postcode lottery,” she said. “We’ve been discussing these issues for over 20 years, yet people continue to face inappropriate placements or delays in discharge from hospitals.” According to Dr. Hasan, the fragmented funding streams, outdated understandings of legislation, and cumbersome commissioning processes create major obstacles to meeting a fundamental human right: appropriate housing in local communities.
A Broken System: The Barriers at Play
The findings of the report point to three major barriers preventing people with complex needs from accessing suitable housing:
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Structural Factors: The lack of adequate planning frameworks, social housing market constraints, and inconsistent interpretations of tenancy agreements.
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Resource Limitations: Challenges in funding, staff shortages, and time constraints that limit the capacity to implement necessary changes.
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Collaboration Gaps: A lack of effective data collection and information sharing between housing and health care providers, making coordinated solutions difficult.
These issues create a deeply fragmented system where solutions often depend on the commitment of individuals or informal networks rather than the robust, integrated services that are needed to ensure positive outcomes for vulnerable individuals.
The Need for a National Response
Among the report’s critical recommendations is the expansion of the Dynamic Support Register (DSR). This tool, which tracks vulnerable individuals, currently does not include housing stakeholders, limiting its effectiveness in the planning and delivery of appropriate housing. The report argues that extending the DSR to include housing representatives would facilitate better coordination between housing, health, and social care sectors, leading to more streamlined community-based housing solutions.
Dr. Hasan stresses that the time for piecemeal, patchwork solutions is over. “What’s needed is a fundamental change in how these services are planned and commissioned,” she says. “Housing should be given equal importance to health and social care in an integrated approach. Without this shift, too many people will continue to fall through the cracks.”
Scotland’s Housing Emergency and the Impact on the Vulnerable
The report is published amid a broader housing emergency in Scotland, officially declared by the Scottish Parliament in May 2024. This crisis disproportionately affects individuals with learning disabilities and those with behaviors that may be perceived as challenging. These individuals are at risk of being placed in unsuitable housing or care settings for extended periods, a situation that not only compromises their well-being but also strains public resources.
Tom Kelly, Head of Adult Services at NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde Specialist Learning Disability Service, highlighted the importance of having the right kind of accommodation. “Access to good-quality accommodation is essential to our health and well-being, especially for the most vulnerable,” he said. “This research will be crucial for informing future decisions and driving change in how we approach housing for people with complex needs.”
Call for Urgent Action
The research underscores the pressing need for immediate action, urging senior leaders in government, housing, commissioning, advocacy, and health and social care to come together and drive systemic change. With a housing emergency already in effect, the stakes are high for thousands of vulnerable individuals across Scotland.
The findings were compiled through interviews and focus groups with a wide range of experts, including commissioners, policy specialists, registered social landlords, and care providers across Scotland, providing a comprehensive understanding of the issue and the need for long-term, sustainable solutions.
