The Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 changed the way homelessness is handled in England. Its focus is on stepping in earlier, before someone reaches crisis point, and on public bodies working together to make that happen.
Prevention and relief
Under the Act, local housing authorities must help anyone who is homeless or threatened with homelessness, whatever their priority need. There are two main duties:
- The prevention duty applies when someone is threatened with homelessness within 56 days. The council must take reasonable steps to help them keep their home or find somewhere else to live.
- The relief duty applies when someone is already homeless. The council must take reasonable steps to help them secure accommodation.
The duty to refer
Since October 2018, certain public authorities have had a duty to refer people they think may be homeless or at risk of homelessness to a local housing authority, with the person's consent. These include:
- Prisons, young offender institutions and probation services
- Jobcentres
- Emergency departments and hospitals
- Adult and children's social services
- The armed forces
Where supported accommodation fits in
For people who have a support need as well as a housing need, a home on its own is rarely enough. Supported accommodation gives them a stable place to live alongside the help they need to keep it. That might be after leaving prison, after a hospital stay, or after a period of rough sleeping.
Assisted Care works with local authorities, probation, care coordinators and homelessness agencies to make sure each placement is the right fit. If you are a professional working with someone who could benefit from our service, you can make a referral online.