McVey Warns Councils Against ‘Frustrating’ Right To Buy

Reinforcing the government’s commitment to Right To Buy, Housing Minister Esther McVey told the Commons MHCLG would “look closely” at councils accused of frustrating home ownership initiatives. The accusation was made by fellow Tory Bob Blackman during a debate on council housing.  Blackman said many councils that have built council housing deliberately set up housing companies to frustrate the right to buy and urged an outlawing of the practice. Read more on 24housing.

https://www.24housing.co.uk/news/mcvey-warns-councils-against-frustrating-right-to-buy/

Government Backs Homelessness Reduction Bill

The government will support the Homelessness Reduction Bill, the communities secretary has announced. Sajid Javid has confirmed ministers will back the bill, which would impose duties on councils to prevent homelessness. Ministers had previously said they would consider options, including legislation, to prevent homelessness but until today had stopped short of supporting the bill. The bill, tabled by Conservative backbench MP Bob Blackman, has been supported by homelessness charities. It is made up of 12 measures. Read more on the CLG website.

Select Committee To Scrutinise New Homelessness Law

A parliamentary committee has launched an inquiry into a private members’ bill that aims to reduce homelessness. The CLG Committee has announced a pre-legislative inquiry into the Homelessness Reduction Bill, tabled by Conservative MP Bob Blackman. Mr Blackman’s bill includes measures to help councils intervene earlier to prevent people becoming homeless, as well as providing help for single homeless people. The committee will examine whether the bill will “achieve its aim of reducing levels of homelessness”. Mr Blackman is a member of the select committee. Read more on Inside Housing.