26th
Aug 2016
The Communities and Local Government Select Committee’s new Homelessness Reduction Bill will give councils a higher responsibility to cut down numbers of homeless people and at the same time eases the pressure on investors and landlords.
The MP behind the Bill, Tory Bob Blackman, has introduced it to give councils greater powers to get involved earlier to reduce homelessness. This should reduce councils advising tenants to stay in properties throughout an eviction process.
Changes have been introduced into the Housing Act 1996 that includes rendering eviction notices providing definite proof that an applicant is threatened with homelessness. It also increases the definition of ‘threatened with homelessness’ from 28 days to 56.
The Communities and Local Government Select Committee will be holding pre-legislative consultations to find out if the Bill has helped reduce homeless’ numbers.
An industry spokesperson said: “When faced with eviction, many tenants are advised by councils to remain in a property until forcibly evicted by bailiffs, thus making them homeless and eligible for social housing. The NLA has consistently warned that putting vulnerable households in this position puts an unnecessary strain on tenants, landlords, and the Courts Service. As a result, landlords may become less likely to let property to those most in need.
“By ensuring that councils accept eviction notices as evidence of homelessness, this Bill will take the strain off of overstretched courts, ensure that tenants are properly supported by their local councils, and provide landlords with the confidence they need to let their property out to more vulnerable tenants.”
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