Overview

The Homelessness Reduction Bill aims to prevent homelessness in England by placing a duty on local housing authorities to provide support and advice to those at risk of losing their homes. It expands the definition of homelessness and strengthens the support offered, aiming for earlier intervention and more personalized plans.

Description

This bill significantly amends the Housing Act 1996. Key changes include:

Extended Definition of Homelessness

The bill broadens the definition of "threatened with homelessness" to include individuals receiving a section 21 notice (eviction notice) with less than 56 days until eviction from their only available accommodation.

Mandatory Advisory Services

Local housing authorities must now provide or secure free information and advice services on preventing and resolving homelessness. This service must be tailored to the needs of vulnerable groups including ex-offenders, care leavers, veterans, domestic abuse victims, and those leaving hospital or with mental health issues.

Assessments and Personalized Plans

For those deemed eligible and homeless or at risk, authorities must conduct a comprehensive assessment, considering circumstances leading to homelessness, housing needs, and required support. They must then create a personalized plan in cooperation with the individual.

Duties to the Homeless

The bill establishes a new initial duty for local authorities to help eligible homeless individuals secure suitable accommodation for at least 6 months (or a longer prescribed period up to 12 months). This duty is subject to certain conditions like cooperation from the applicant and availability of suitable accommodation. Failure to cooperate can result in the termination of support.

Referral Duties

A new duty is placed upon specified public authorities (defined by the Secretary of State) to refer cases of potential homelessness to local housing authorities.

Reviews

The bill introduces a right to request a review of local housing authority decisions, including decisions about support plans, suitability of offered accommodation, and notices ending support due to non-cooperation.

Codes of Practice

The Secretary of State can issue codes of practice on local housing authority functions regarding homelessness, covering areas like service delivery and staff training.

Local Connection

The bill modifies rules on local connection, providing that care leavers retain a local connection with the area of the local authority that supports them.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't specify exact figures for increased government spending. However, it is anticipated that increased support services and potential housing costs will lead to additional expenditure by local authorities, potentially requiring increased central government funding.

Groups Affected

• Homeless individuals and those at risk of homelessness: Will benefit from expanded support services and a greater focus on prevention.
• Local housing authorities: Will face increased responsibilities and potentially increased costs in providing support and services.
• Landlords (particularly private landlords): May be involved in providing accommodation under arrangements made by the authorities.
• Public authorities (e.g., hospitals, prisons): Have a duty to refer cases of potential homelessness to local housing authorities.
• Vulnerable groups (ex-offenders, care leavers, veterans, domestic abuse victims, those with mental health issues): Will receive targeted support.

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