Housing

Homelessness Reduction Act to come into play from April 2018

The widely welcomed Homelessness Reduction Act – hailed as "a crucial step forward" in tackling the scourge of rough sleeping – will commence from spring next year, Marcus Jones MP has revealed

It’s been hailed as a potential game-changer for homelessness provision in Britain. Now it’s been confirmed that the groundbreaking Homelessness Reduction Act will commence from April next year, with £61million government funding behind the bill.

Councils will use the funding boost to pay for the series of new responsibilities they must meet under the act. The bill – which became an official act of parliament in April – places a legal duty on councils to give people meaningful support to try to resolve their homelessness, as well as introducing measures to prevent people becoming homeless in the first place.

In a letter to councils, homelessness minister Marcus Jones MP confirmed that the first payment can be expected in winter.

This news comes in the wake of a stark and shocking warning that homelessness is expected to more than double by 2041. Research, carried out by Heriot-Watt University for Crisis, found that the number of homeless people in Britain could reach 575,000 by 2041 – up from 236,000 last year.

I believe this bill could present a bit of a sea change in how we deal with problems

Earlier this year, Big Issue founder John Bird welcomed the bill – which was first introduced by Conservative backbench MP Bob Blackman – saying it could “present a bit of a sea change” in tackling Britain’s homelessness crisis.

Lord Bird wrote: “I am a supporter for this bill because I believe it could in some way present a bit of a sea change in how we deal with problems. That is, prevent the problem from occurring in the first instance. Prevention is the best of all cures ever invented. And this Homelessness Reduction Bill recognises the beauties of thinking ahead of the crash.”

Jon Sparkes, chief executive of Crisis, also said recently: “The Homelessness Reduction Act is a crucial step forward in fighting homelessness. For 40 years we’ve had a system that fails too many homeless people by turning them away from help when they need it most.”

Mr Jones also revealed that the government is reviewing the Homelessness Code of Guidance – which specific obligations local authorities must adhere to in supporting 16 and 17 year olds – and an overhaul of how “homelessness data” is collected, with a view to reveal changes next spring as the Homelessness Reduction Act commences.

The Conservative MP for or Nuneaton told councils: “The Government wishes to make regulations, including on duty to refer, under the Homelessness Reduction Act. These will be laid in the winter and my officials will work closely with the relevant government departments and their delivery chains to ensure effective communications and workforce support ahead of commencement.”

He added: “The current data collection system needs to be changed so that local authorities and central government can monitor the operation and outcomes of the new duties brought in by the Act. The change will generate much richer data both on homelessness problems and the impact of interventions, enabling better informed policy and resource decisions by both local and central government. You will also be aware that local authority data returns help government to understand homelessness pressures and challenges across the country, and inform decisions on the allocation of funding and resources.”

Support the Big Issue

For over 30 years, the Big Issue has been committed to ending poverty in the UK. In 2024, our work is needed more than ever. Find out how you can support the Big Issue today.
Vendor martin Hawes

Recommended for you

View all
Leaked letter to Tory MPs reveals renting reforms will be 'watered down' to 'appease landlords'
Renters Reform Bill
RENTING

Leaked letter to Tory MPs reveals renting reforms will be 'watered down' to 'appease landlords'

Housing crisis: Shared ownership an 'unbearable reality' which has 'failed to deliver', MPs warn
Housing

Housing crisis: Shared ownership an 'unbearable reality' which has 'failed to deliver', MPs warn

Most tenants have never heard of the beleaguered Renters Reform Bill
Renters and the Renters Reform Bill
Renting

Most tenants have never heard of the beleaguered Renters Reform Bill

ONS U-turns on plan to stop publishing data on deaths of homeless people after furious outcry
homeless deaths
homelessness

ONS U-turns on plan to stop publishing data on deaths of homeless people after furious outcry

Most Popular

Read All
Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits
Renters: A mortgage lender's window advertising buy-to-let products
1.

Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal
Pound coins on a piece of paper with disability living allowancve
2.

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal

Here's when UK households to start receiving last cost of living payments
next dwp cost of living payment 2023
3.

Here's when UK households to start receiving last cost of living payments

Strike dates 2023: From train drivers to NHS doctors, here are the dates to know
4.

Strike dates 2023: From train drivers to NHS doctors, here are the dates to know