http://www.insidehousing.co.uk/landl...CFAXQJ,77N0A,1
22 November 2013 | By Pete Apps
Social landlords will be required to co-operate with local authorities in helping prevent homelessness under new legislation in Wales.
The Housing Bill, which was introduced to the Welsh National Assembly on Tuesday, will create a new statutory duty for local authorities to prevent homelessness if passed.
Simon Inkson, a housing consultant who is preparing a report on homelessness for Community Houing Cymru, said social landlords will be legally required to co-operate.
‘A key aspect of the bill is section 78, which requires housing associations to co-operate in the discharge of this duty,’ he told delegates at the CHC annual conference in Cardiff.
They will be able to ‘get out’ if this duty where requests from a council would be ‘incompatible’ with an organisations function, or have adverse effects financially.
The bill’s focus on prevention is likely to see increased investment in supporting people budgets, Mr Inkson said.
It will also allow local authorities to house those at risk of homelessness in the private rented sector, rather than just social homes.
‘I think we will find that is how many people’s needs are met,’ he added.
The duty will kick in where someone is at risk of becoming homeless within 56 days, and requires local authorities to take action to prevent it happening.
22 November 2013 | By Pete Apps
Social landlords will be required to co-operate with local authorities in helping prevent homelessness under new legislation in Wales.
The Housing Bill, which was introduced to the Welsh National Assembly on Tuesday, will create a new statutory duty for local authorities to prevent homelessness if passed.
Simon Inkson, a housing consultant who is preparing a report on homelessness for Community Houing Cymru, said social landlords will be legally required to co-operate.
‘A key aspect of the bill is section 78, which requires housing associations to co-operate in the discharge of this duty,’ he told delegates at the CHC annual conference in Cardiff.
They will be able to ‘get out’ if this duty where requests from a council would be ‘incompatible’ with an organisations function, or have adverse effects financially.
The bill’s focus on prevention is likely to see increased investment in supporting people budgets, Mr Inkson said.
It will also allow local authorities to house those at risk of homelessness in the private rented sector, rather than just social homes.
‘I think we will find that is how many people’s needs are met,’ he added.
The duty will kick in where someone is at risk of becoming homeless within 56 days, and requires local authorities to take action to prevent it happening.
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