Glossary
Community interest company (CIC)
Also called: CIC
In one sentence
A limited company for social enterprises, with an asset lock. Many run supported housing as voluntary organisations.
A CIC limited by guarantee pays no dividends. A CIC limited by shares can pay capped dividends, which can lead councils to question whether it operates otherwise than for profit.
Related terms
Where it comes up
- What is exempt accommodation?Exempt accommodation is supported housing where the landlord is a housing association, registered charity, voluntary organisation or non-metropolitan county council, and that landlord, or someone acting for it, gives the resident more than minimal care, support or supervision. Housing Benefit pays the rent, and the usual local rent caps do not apply.
- Types of supported housing in EnglandSupported housing is any housing that comes with support, care or supervision to help people live as independently as they can. The main models are hostels, shared supported houses, self-contained supported flats, Housing First, refuges, young people's schemes, supported lodgings, supported living and housing for older people. They differ in who they serve, how long people stay and who pays for the support.
- Grey areas in exempt and supported accommodationMost disputes in exempt accommodation come from questions the regulations never fully answer. How much support is more than minimal, when a support provider acts for the landlord, whether a CIC is a voluntary organisation, and how HMO, planning and tenancy law apply. Decisions turn on facts, so the safest position is a structure that matches what happens day to day.