Introduction
The essence of this article is to create awareness on the rise of homelessness, provide insight to individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness on what legal rights they have and what support is readily available.
As it stands, 358,370 households were in contact with their respective councils on the imminent risk of being made homeless or threatened with eviction. After an appraisal of each individual case, statistics reveal that 324,990 of the 358,370 where classed as being homeless. This figure only represents reported cases for individuals actively seeking housing assistance. There is indeed a higher number which unfortunately has gone unreported.
The cause of homelessness is multifaceted. Evidence suggests that it is due to the recent cost of living crisis, demand for homes being greater than the supply of homes, the lack of affordable housing, most recently the recent spike in both legal and illegal immigration and personal factors which include individual circumstances such as a breakdown in relationships, personal income levels, and substance dependence.
Preventing Homelessness Through Legislation
The support available to tackle homelessness will be addressed according to their respective jurisdictions.
England: In 2017, the homelessness Reduction Act was passed into law. This Act of parliament facilitated a shift from the council supporting only households who were considered priority. In essence, the Act made it mandatory for local councils to support households and prevent homelessness from occurring in the first instance.
Scotland: In 2012, Scotland had taken a similar approach. The effect of this was that support was readily available for anyone who is homeless, and temporary support made available. The Scottish government has also encouraged the housing options approach which promotes various avenues to help individuals keep their homes. Although there aren’t any active laws, it is a step in the right direction
Wales: The Housing (Wales) Act was introduced in 2014 and has taken a more drastic pre-emptive approach in preventing homelessness. This is by placing a timeframe of 56 days to assist anyone at risk of homelessness.
Northern Ireland: In Northern Ireland the primary legislation is the Housing (Northern Ireland) Order 1988 with also a similar ethos of preventing and supporting those at risk of homelessness.
Proposed Reform
In 2023, 26,000 households were at risk of homelessness or regarded homeless, due to being served a section 21(s21) notice. The s21 notice gives landlords the power to evict tenants without reason. Recently, the renters right bill was introduced to parliament. This bill proposes to place a ban on s21 notices. This proposal will provide assurances against the risk of homelessness, particularly when tenants challenge landlords or speak against discriminatory treatment. Although, not yet law, in the context of reducing homelessness, it is a step in the right direction.
