New Homelessness Duties Could Cost London Councils Millions

New duties introduced through proposed homelessness laws will cost town halls millions, councils in London have calculated. The Homelessness Reduction Bill would require councils to support more homeless people, such as single people and those likely to become homeless within 56 days. Lewisham Council alone estimates the new duties could cost it £2.38m a year. A spokesperson said it might need 40 additional staff to handle the extra workload, which would include creating personal housing plans for an estimated 2,165 additional people. The new laws would also make it easier for homeless people to appeal council decisions to refuse housing applications. Read more on Inside Housing.