Homelessness Crisis: Ministers Consider 'Prevention Duty' For Councils

Ministers are considering changes to the law in an attempt to support the growing number of people on the brink of homelessness, including tens of thousands of “sofa surfers” currently denied official help to keep them off the streets. Options include introducing a new duty of prevention in England, which would force councils to provide advice and support for anyone at risk of homelessness, regardless of whether they are deemed to be in priority need under existing laws. The mooted “no one turned away” duty would give all residents who are homeless or at imminent risk of losing their home the right to practical help to prevent them losing a tenancy or secure new accommodation. Read more on the Guardian website.

Half of Homeless Teenagers Turned Away By Councils

Councils are flouting the law by turning away half of the homeless teenagers who ask them for help. In its report on teenage homelessness The Children’s Society found that only half of homeless 16- and 17-year-olds who asked councils for help received an assessment, even though they have a legal obligation to provide this. Based on responses from 259 councils, the charity also found that just one in five 16- and 17-year-olds who presented themselves as homeless were accommodated. Additionally, only one in five councils offers advocacy support to young people who present themselves as homeless. Read more on the Children & Young People Now website.