Councils to be given new powers to refer homeless households to private registered providers

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) said the measure would improve collaboration between housing associations and councils.

It also claimed that it would reduce reliance on temporary accommodation and improve access to housing for those in greatest need.

The amendments will also see a new disposals notification requirement, which the Ministry said would give councils and other social housing providers “better opportunity to purchase social homes before they are sold outside the sector – which will help to retain our much-needed housing stock”.

Under the proposal, the relevant notification period will be extended to eight weeks. 

The MHCLG also said a new ‘Duty to Collaborate’ will require public services to work in partnership to identify those at risk of homelessness and consider what action they can take within their existing responsibilities to help prevent homelessness.

Harry Rodd