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Social housing system in collapse – 1 in 5 homeless people are unable to move out of emergency housing (15 March 2018)

Date: 15/03/2018
Duncan Lewis, Housing Solicitors, Social housing system in collapse – 1 in 5 homeless people are unable to move out of emergency housing

Since 2011, 700,000 households have been removed from waiting lists for social housing across England after the implementation of the Localism Act 2011, granting greater powers to councils enabling them to limit access to social housing.

Under current legislation, councils have the power to remove households from the list for social housing. Up until 2012, councils were required to consider all housing applications but the change in legislation has enabled 35% of councils to require a limit of 5 years in the borough in order to access the register.

The charity, Crisis has claimed that 1 in 5 homeless people are unable to move out of emergency housing such as hostels and Bed and Breakfasts due to the pressure upon councils. The charity have claimed the shortfall in social housing further propels them into a sequence of homelessness, as it permits councils to put a blanket block on allowing people to register for social housing.

The Joseph Rowntree Foundation suggests it is harder for those currently in social housing to create a foundation in the local community as they are unable to remain in the area for a significant period of time, claiming that 10,000 more tenants lost their homes in 2015 than in 2003. In this situation victims are being often left homeless and potentially exposed to further vulnerabilities.

Chief Executive of Crisis, Jon Sparkes said;

"Restricted eligibility for social housing is trapping more and more people in a cycle of homelessness that they have no route out of. We are calling on the government to end these blanket bans that block people in need from registering for social housing."

The government has planned to increase funding. A spokesperson for The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (HCLG) has stated that the government has planned on a “£2 billion funding boost bringing to the current system”.

Manjinder Kaur Atwal is a Housing Director at Duncan Lewis Solicitors and can advise on social housing, homelessness and all other housing issues. For expert housing advice, contact Manjinder on 020 3114 1269 or email her at manjindera@duncanlewis.com.

Duncan Lewis Housing Solicitors

Duncan Lewis Housing Solicitors can guide clients in any matter or issues arising with local housing authorities, housing applications, tenants, landlords, ownership and repairs. The Duncan Lewis housing team specialises in representation in all social housing proceedings including reviews, appeals and judicial review relating to homelessness, disrepair, succession for tenants and neighbourhood disputes against local authorities.

If you have any housing related queries or require representation please do not hesitate to contact our team of expert solicitors on 0333 772 0409.


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