Government takes another step towards homeless prevention

New guidance to ensure local authorities intervene earlier to help prevent families and individuals becoming homeless has been published by the government.

The guidance sets out how local councils should implement the Homelessness Reduction Act, which will come into effect in April 2018. Under the Act, councils must provide services to everyone at risk of becoming homeless, as well as those with a priority need such as families with children and those who are vulnerable.

The government is providing an additional £11.7 million, taking the total amount to prevent homelessness to £72.7 million. This additional funding will be shared among local authorities over two years to meet the requirements of the Act.

The government will also be providing £3 million to local authorities to support them in upgrading their data systems to allow them to access how the Act is changing homeless prevention in their areas. This is on top of the government’s £550 million investment until 2020 for homelessness and rough sleeping.

The guidance is subject to an 8-week consultation which asks for views on the guidance for local councils as they prepare to undertake their new duties under the Act.

Marcus Jones, Minister for Homelessness, said: “Tackling homelessness and rough sleeping are complex issues with no single solution, but this government is determined to help the most vulnerable in society. That’s why we’re implementing the most ambitious legislative reform in decades, the Homelessness Reduction Act.

“Local authorities play a vital role in implementing the Act. Therefore the guidance and government funding will support them in making sure people will get the help they need earlier to prevent them becoming homeless in the first place.”