This is the comprehensive and authoritative guide to the legal obligations of local housing authorities when allocating social housing and assisting those who are homeless. Written by leading practitioners in the field, it provides detailed guidance on the statutory framework, case law and government policy in both England and Wales.
The sixth edition provides a detailed update on the legislative and policy developments since the previous edition. This includes the ground-breaking initiative under which the English and Welsh governments made emergency provision to accommodate all homeless people during the covid-19 pandemic, known in England as 'Everyone In'. This led to emergency accommodation being provided for over 37,000 people. The book considers the legal framework, case-law and the policy background behind this undertaking, and the extent to which government policy has altered the landscape of homelessness provision as a result.
As the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 reaches its third anniversary in England, this edition provides a comprehensive review of guidance, case law and the effectiveness of the prevention and relief duties. Eligibility for homelessness and social allocation has been substantially revised following Brexit. This edition's chapters on eligibility provide an accessible and clear route through the complex new eligibility landscape.
Additional new information includes:
- Amendments to Part 7 of the Housing Act 1996 made by Domestic Abuse Act 2021
- Revisions to the Codes of Guidance
- Consideration of the latest case law on homelessness duties
- Consideration of the latest case law on allocation of social housing
- A review of unreported first-instance decisions and Ombudsman complaints
