Blaby Distrct Council: Evaluation of Housing Enablement Team (HET) Service
M·E·L Research were commissioned by Blaby Distrct Council to provide an independent analysis of the Housing Enablement Team (HET) service.
Objectives
The key objectives of the report were to:
• Analyse data collected by the HET to demonstrate the scale and impact of the service. • Estimate the financial value of the service (using hospital bed charges). • Situate the HET service in the current context of NHS resources, wider strategy and the impact of delayed discharge.
Methods
We used four approaches to produce this report:
1. Rapid evidence review: We carried out a rapid evidence review regarding Delayed Transfer Of Care (DTOCs), what causes them, the impact of them and what has been shown to help reduce them. As part of this we reviewed evaluations of schemes similar to HET.
2. Analysis of existing data
3. Case studies: Throughout the report we present a number of case studies to show the breadth of support provided by the HET. These are based on case studies discussed during the focus group and case studies provided to the research team.
4. An online focus group with HET staff: Finally, we conducted an online focus group with the HET to understand more about their role, the service they provide, the range of cases they work with, the impact of the service (from their perspective) and what they feel works well or could be improved.
Findings
The evidence presented in our report highlights the significant role that the Housing Enablement Team (HET) plays in supporting timely hospital discharges and preventing delayed transfers of care. Over the last decade, the service has grown substantially, now working with more than 2,000 patients per year, many of whom face complex housing and social challenges that would otherwise prevent a safe and timely discharge.
Analysis of the available data demonstrates that the HET provides a rapid, effective response. On average, patients are contacted on the day of referral and a resolution is reached within four days. These interventions not only improve patient outcomes by enabling earlier returns to safe and suitable accommodation, but also generate considerable financial savings for the NHS.
The service consistently demonstrates value for money, with the cost of HET per patient offset by the prevention of less than one day of delayed discharge. In addition, thousands of hours of clinical time are released each year, allowing healthcare staff to focus on patient care.
Qualitative evidence from staff, case studies and focus group discussions further reinforce the positive impact of the HET. The service bridges a critical gap between health, housing and social care, offering practical solutions in areas such as homelessness, unsafe housing, hoarding, and domestic abuse. Patients benefit not only from safer and more sustainable discharges but also from improved wellbeing and access to longer-term support.
Despite these successes, challenges remain. Rising demand, hospital staffing pressures, limited housing supply and inconsistent referral practices all place additional strain on the service. Addressing these challenges—through earlier identification of housing issues, continued staff training, and strengthened partnership working—will be essential to maintaining and enhancing the effectiveness of the HET.
Overall, the Housing Enablement Team represents a vital and cost-effective element of the local health and care system. By providing a rapid, integrated and person-centred response, the service delivers meaningful benefits for patients, their families, health professionals and the wider system.
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