This work has given us the robust evidence we needed to better understand local need and shape more effective, future-focused supported accommodation services.
In February 2025, we supported Test Valley Council to carry out a supported housing needs assessment. Homeless Link Consultancy Manager, Siân Morris led the delivery of this project alongside associates Mark Goldup and James Quigley, with support from analysts Emma Donnelly and Sarah Adlington.
The Challenge
Following the withdrawal of County Council funding, Test Valley Borough Council needed a clearer understanding of local supported accommodation needs to inform future services.
A key challenge was identifying the level and type of support required by residents, and translating qualitative insight into a clear, quantitative evidence base. This was essential to demonstrate future need and to identify the type of service that would best meet the needs of local residents, while also contributing to the delivery of requirements under the Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act.
The Approach
Working with Homeless Link, the Council carried out an independent needs assessment, combining resident engagement with structured data collection. This provided a robust, evidence-based picture of support needs and helped translate frontline insight into clear, actionable data.
Through this work, Homeless Link provided:
- A detailed picture of the level and type of residents’ support needs
- Quantified data to support future commissioning decisions
- Insight into how services could be adapted and future-proofed
- Independent validation of what the Council and its partners were already seeing on the ground
Regular catch-ups throughout the project helped maintain a shared understanding of progress and ensured the work stayed focused on local priorities.
The Impact
Strengthening strategy and commissioning
As a result of this work, Test Valley is now in a much stronger position to plan for the future. It has created a clear, evidence-based understanding of local need. This is particularly important as expectations around oversight and service quality continue to grow.
The findings will inform the development of a supported housing strategy and support future joint commissioning opportunities through Local Government Reorganisation.
Supporting better conversations
The work has also supported discussions with providers around future service provision and potential areas for development.
Over time, it is hoped that beyond helping the Council meet the new supported housing regulation duties, it will help create a more joined-up and effective system that delivers better outcomes for residents in Test Valley.
