Supported and specialist housing market position statement

10.1 Headlines

• In 2023/24 there were 313 referrals to Harbour’s safe accommodation. It is estimated that there will be an increase to 432 referrals by 2034.
• Qualitative research with local stakeholders confirms that in 2021 North Tyneside experienced a surge in referrals for safe accommodation as a result of the impact of the COVID-19 lockdowns and 2021 Domestic Abuse Act.
• In total there are currently 22 units of safe accommodation. This is currently provided as a 14-unit refuge accommodation and 8 dispersed units of accommodation provided mainly by Harbour but 3 dispersed units are provided by North Tyneside Council.
• Local evidence indicates an increase in multiple and enduring needs in relation to people experiencing domestic abuse in the form of drug and/or alcohol related needs and mental health needs, these can be overlapping.
• Local evidence indicates that there is a high demand for safe accommodation (refuge and dispersed properties).

10.2 Evidence from stakeholders and the Council's priorities

The Council’s and their stakeholders’ local evidence indicates an increase in multiple and enduring needs in relation to people experiencing domestic abuse in the form of drug and/or alcohol related needs and mental health needs, these can be overlapping. 

The population of people accessing safe accommodation increased substantially during the COVID-19 pandemic and following the 2021 Domestic Abuse Act. Whilst demand is still high for safe accommodation, the current referrals are not as high as they were during this time.

Local evidence indicates that there is a high demand for safe accommodation (refuge and dispersed properties), with voids being quick to fill. 

There is a small but increasing number of males experiencing domestic abuse. These individuals find it difficult to disclose their experience which could potentially mean there are more people that are not coming forward. Additionally, a lack of accommodation for males is apparent in North Tyneside and could be a barrier to coming forward. The council has commissioned additional dispersed accommodation to try to support males.

A lack of move-on accommodation is delaying people from leaving safe accommodation when they are ready and preventing people from accessing safe accommodation when they need it.

There is demand for specialist safe accommodation for people experiencing domestic abuse with multiple and enduring needs. This could be in the form of refuge or dispersed properties.

10.3 Evidence of need for safe accommodation and the Council’s commissioning intentions

It is estimated that an increase of 21 units will be necessary by the year 2034/35 to ensure that all referred individuals have access to safe accommodation. 

Estimated additional need for safe accommodation to 2034/35.

The Council’s commissioning intentions are: 

• There is a requirement for additional safe accommodation, projected to be a requirement for 21 units by 2034/35.
• A significant proportion of this need is required for people with complex support needs.
• The additional units could be provided as dispersed accommodation with floating support or refuge provision