Homelessness charities Crisis and Shelter have backed a report released by the Local Government Ombudsman that condemns local councils for consistent failings and injustices in dealing with people at risk of homelessness. The report reveals that people facing homelessness who approach their local authority for help are falling victim to ‘gatekeeping’ where, for no legitimate reason, councils refuse to accept, or delay, an application for help. Councils fail to do enough to prevent people becoming homeless; fail to look into whether a person needs help; fail to recognise an application for help; and fail to provide interim accommodation where someone is legally entitled to it. These people are then left with little option but to sleep on friends’ and families’ floors and sofas, sleep rough or squat. The report stresses the fact that when councils fail to give a helping hand at this crucial moment, individuals can be affected for many years. Read more on 24dash.
No comments:
Post a Comment