Have a question?
033 3772 0409

Housing Solicitors

Sadiq Khan Opens Emergency Homeless Shelters (25 January 2017)

Date: 25/01/2017
Duncan Lewis, Housing Solicitors, Sadiq Khan Opens Emergency Homeless Shelters

The combination of the housing crisis and dropping temperatures is putting increasing pressure on the UK’s vulnerable and homeless. In response to warnings from homeless charities that current temperatures and putting rough sleepers in life-threatening situations Sadiq Khan has initiated the opening of emergency shelters across London.

This is happening as local authorities across the UK implement Severe Weather Emergency Protocols to try and protect those at risk as temperatures drop below freezing. Sadiq Khan tweeted the announcement, also asking people to ‘look out for their fellow Londoners’ by reporting anyone they see sleeping rough to the homeless charity Streetlink.

The risk of contracting cold weather related illnesses such as hypothermia and pneumonia are exacerbated in light of the already poor physical and mental health of rough sleepers. Despite the government pledging £500 million to help tackle the increasing homeless problem across the UK, the number of people sleeping on the streets is over double what it was six years ago and homeless charity Centrepoint is voicing concern as local authorities struggle with austerity cuts, resulting in one in three young people being turned away when they seek help.

Whilst emergency shelters are a life-saving response to the concerns raised over the freezing conditions being fatal to the homeless, Jennifer Barnes of Centrepoint says that this is simply treating the symptom, when the focus needs to be on the cause, stating that It is incumbent on government to address the core issues, such as overcrowding and a lack of affordable housing options, which would force young people into potentially fatal situations’. Shadow Housing Minister John Healy also expressed distress at the situation labelling the homelessness situation in the UK as ’our national shame’.

The causes of homelessness are broad and complex, ranging between family break-down; mental health issues and substance misuse; gang-related crime; lack of education; a gap in care services; and issues facing asylum seekers and refugees. Assessing these issues, Sadiq Khan acknowledged that due to their complexity there is no ‘silver bullet’ to solve the problem, instead pledging to launch a coordinated response to the issue through the No Nights Sleeping Rough taskforce. The aim of this initiative ’is bringing together key players to help rough sleepers and to tackle the root causes of rough sleeping’.

Arandeep Hundal of Duncan Lewis Solicitors had this to say on the issue:

“Sleeping rough is very much an issue that needs to be tackled and prevented in the very first instance if possible. It is very unfortunate that individuals find themselves without a roof over their heads … there may be a stigma attached to sleeping rough, however the message sent out by Sadiq Khan is that we should all work together to assist those sleeping rough.”

Arandeep Hundal is a Solicitor in Duncan Lewis’ Housing Department. He deals with matters relating to landlord and tenant including possessions and evictions, homelessness, appeals, disrepair, anti-social behaviour, unlawful eviction and harassment. He also carries out advocacy at the County Court.

Duncan Lewis Housing Solicitors can guide clients in any matter or issues arising with local housing authorities, housing applications, tenants, landlords, ownership and repairs. With a niche expertise in Possession and Unlawful Eviction cases the Department holds a significant presence in County Court Possession Duty Schemes throughout London including the Central London County Court. The Housing Department also offers representation in all proceedings including reviews, appeals and judicial review proceedings relating to homelessness, disrepair, succession for tenants. If you have any housing related queries or require representation please do not hesitate to contact our team of expert solicitors on 03337720409.


For all Housing related matter contact us now.Contact Us

Call us now on 033 3772 0409 or click here to send online enquiry.
Duncan Lewis is the trading name of Duncan Lewis (Solicitors) Limited. Registered Office is 143-149 Fenchurch St, London, EC3M 6BL. Company Reg. No. 3718422. VAT Reg. No. 718729013. A list of the company's Directors is displayed at the registered offices address. Authorised and Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority . Offices all across London and in major cities in the UK. ©Duncan Lewis >>Legal Disclaimer, Copyright & Privacy Policy. Duncan Lewis do not accept service by email.