Influential MPs back crucial homelessness bill

The Communities and Local Government Committee has today (14 October) reported on its scrutiny of the 'Homelessness Reduction Bill' a private member's bill proposed by Bob Blackman, Conservative MP and committee member, with the aim of tackling and preventing homelessness in England (see notes).

Responding, Crisis Chief Executive, Jon Sparkes said: “Never before has a private member’s bill been subjected to such close, expert scrutiny, and this ringing endorsement throws yet more weight behind it. There can be little doubt that the Homelessness Reduction Bill is a credible and much needed piece of legislation.

“In light of this, we urge the Government to offer its support. This bill could be the next great social reform and make a difference to the lives of homeless people up and down the country. The Government has already recognised the lack of help available to many homeless people, and has pledged to consider “options including legislation”, but now is the time for action.

“The second reading on October 28 will be critical, but unless we get more than 100 MPs along on the day, the bill could easily be blocked. The cross-party consensus is there, and we hope to see as many MPs as possible attending the debate and backing the bill.” 

ENDS

For further information or for spokesperson interviews call 020 7426 3853 or email thomas.phillips@crisis.org.uk For out of hours media enquiries please call: 07973 372587

Notes to editors

The ‘Homelessness Reduction Bill put forward by Bob Blackman MP is due for its second reading on 28 October. It proposes: 

• A new duty for local authorities to take action to prevent the homelessness of anyone eligible for assistance (eg ‘habitually resident’ in the UK) and threatened with homelessness within 56 days, without regard to their priority need status.

• A new duty for local authorities to take steps to relieve the homelessness of anyone who is currently homeless, eligible for assistance and has a local connection to the area.

• For households who not in priority need but have nowhere to stay, the local authority must provide emergency interim accommodation for up to 56 days.

• The full homelessness duty of settled accommodation will remain in place for households who are eligible for assistance, homeless through no fault of their own, have a local connection, are in priority need and where the prevention and relief duties have failed.

• A new duty to cooperate will be introduced for applicants who are homeless or threatened with homelessness to ensure households take reasonable steps to resolve their own homelessness.