Homelessness law change examined

Ministers previously said they would look at the proposals of an independent panel recommending that housing legislation is amended in England.

The panel, organised by Crisis and including the National Housing Federation, proposed the imposition of a new ‘duty to prevent’ homelessness on councils.

Inside Housing can reveal that within the past few weeks, civil servants at the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) have been considering evidence from the panel, including suggested wording of potential legislation.

The duty suggested by the panel would require councils to prevent everyone, not just those in priority need, from becoming homeless. This could lead to councils mediating with landlords or helping prospective tenants pay a deposit.

Inside Housing can also reveal that London local authorities had a meeting in January – hosted by umbrella group London Councils – to discuss the potential new duties.

It is understood that a group of civil servants from the Cabinet Office has also held meetings with local authorities across England to search for solutions to drive down homelessness.

The DCLG and the Cabinet Office have been approached for comment.