On Friday 28th October 2016, the Homeless Reduction Bill passed its first hurdle in the Commons.
The Private Members’ Bill, sponsored by Bob Blackman MP, Member of Parliament for Harrow East, seeks to amend the Housing Act 1996, with the ultimate aim of reducing homelessness. The Bill passed through the Commons without any votes against it and received support from MPs across the political spectrum.
The Bill, if implemented, would put pressure on councils in England to do more to reduce homelessness and focuses on early intervention. There are ongoing funding concerns involved with this proposal, which was highlighted by Caroline Lucas MP, during the debate in the Commons. A former housing minister has also warned that councils would need more funding from the government to be able to meetthe targets set out in the Bill.
On 24th October 2016, the Communities Secretary, Sajid Javid, announced that the government would be supporting the Bill. He stated:
“No one should have to sleep rough on the streets. We want to build a country that works for everyone, not just the privileged few. That’s why we are determined to do all we can to help those who lose their homes and provide them with the support they need to get their lives back on track.”
Before going on to say:
“This government is therefore, very pleased to support Bob Blackman MP’s Private Members Bill, with its ambitious measures to help reduce homelessness.”
In a press release, the government highlighted how this builds on the government’s commitment to consider all options, including legislation, to prevent homelessness, made in December 2015.
The Bill will now pass to the Committee stage for further scrutiny.