The supported living market in Lincolnshire

I am currently researching the supported living market in Lincolnshire with a view to establishing a supported living service in the future. Please could you provide the following information:

1. The current number of adults waiting for supported living placements in Lincolnshire (or the most recent figures available).

2. Whether Lincolnshire County Council currently uses out-of-area supported living placements due to lack of suitable local provision, and if so, approximately how many.

3. Any information held regarding supported living needs that are considered difficult to place (for example learning disability, autism, mental health, or complex needs).

4. Any information showing geographic areas within Lincolnshire where supported living provision is limited or under pressure.

5. Whether the council is actively seeking or encouraging new supported living providers to enter the local market.

1. Lincolnshire County Council does hold information on adults awaiting supported living placements, but these figures are not published publicly. As of 24/02/26 the number of adults waiting for supported living placements is 71

2. Lincolnshire County Council does use out of area placements for adults, where appropriate, and this is confirmed in public documents.

A 2025 report to the Adult Care and Public Health Scrutiny Committee discusses Lincolnshire residents placed outside the county for adult social care, confirming the use of out of area arrangements for both residential and community settings. We currently have a total of 16 adults who are placed in out of area supported living placements.

3. Lincolnshire's published information indicates that adults with learning disabilities, autism, mental health needs, or complex behavioural presentations may require specialist or enhanced supported living arrangements. Examples of publicly available evidence include:

* The Learning Disability Specialist Community Service describes support for adults with complex behavioural needs and significant physical or mental health requirements

* Lincolnshire's Market Position Statement highlights pressures in specialist accommodation markets and the need to expand provision for people with complex needs.

Committee Report - Out of Hour placements V2

Learning disabilities and autism - Specialist Community Service 

Data Access Charity

Lincolnshire County Council - Market Position Statement

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4. Lincolnshire's Market Position Statement (MPS) provides high level information on demand pressures across the county. It identifies:

A high level of rurality (69% rural), which can affect access to care services and place pressure on availability of supported housing in certain areas.

Broader system pressures and the need for increased specialist provision across adult social care. However, the MPS does not provide location specific supported living shortages.

5. No, the Council is not currently actively seeking or encouraging new providers to enter the Supported Living market.

However, the Council will be undertaking a formal procurement process to replace the existing Community Supported Living framework, which is due to expire in June 2027.

As part of this process, providers will be formally invited to apply to join the new framework in line with the Council's commissioning and procurement requirements.