Supreme Court rules local authorities must provide housing to people experiencing homelessness
28.11.2023
Earlier this year, Crisis intervened in a Supreme Court case that was considering the enforcement of the duty on councils to assist people who are homeless into suitable accommodation under the Housing Act 1996. The Supreme Court was asked to review whether a council’s budgetary constraints, or the availability of housing, could be considered in the council’s ability to fulfil their duty to provide people accepted as homeless with suitable accommodation. This would have meant people would have to remain in unsuitable temporary accommodation due to funding constraints on councils.
The Supreme Court has ruled today (Tuesday 28 November) that councils must uphold their duties and find people who are homeless suitable accommodation. The ruling also sets out the detail needed from councils if they cannot provide suitable accommodation.
Matt Downie, Chief Executive at Crisis, said: “This is a significant ruling and we’re relieved to see the Supreme Court confirm the importance of councils needing to provide suitable accommodation for people experiencing homelessness.
"Through our work supporting thousands of people trapped in unsuitable temporary accommodation each year, we see the devastating reality many are faced with. From mould and damp ridden properties to families living in one room without access to basic facilities such as a washing machine or kitchen - forcing people to live this way should never have been an option in lieu of a home. We’re pleased that this ruling reinforces the importance of duties on councils to find suitable accommodation.
“But with more and more households being pushed into homelessness, we know many councils are facing rising costs, and in the worst cases, bankruptcy as they try to keep up with demand. Leaving councils to shoulder the housing and homelessness crisis is not sustainable. The Westminster Government must step in and provide local authorities, not only, with the funding required to ensure everyone can find a stable home, but actually get on and build the 90,000 social homes we need annually. Only this will ensure we can end homelessness once and for all.”
https://www.supremecourt.uk/cases/uksc-2022-0102.html