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NHF opens talks with government on Homelessness Reduction Act
Government officials have been holding talks with the National Housing Federation (NHF) to discuss housing associations’ role in implementing new homelessness legislation.
The Homelessness Reduction Act will come into force from April. It will place new duties on councils to intervene in cases where people are at risk of homelessness in a bid to reduce rough sleeping and the number of households in emergency accommodation.
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However, the act will not impose any new legal requirements on housing associations.
The NHF has been discussing how the sector can support councils’ homelessness work through the new ‘Duty to Refer’ with officials from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).
It is calling on its members to take part in the discussions by submitting ideas or signing up to be part of its Homelessness Steering Group.
In a statement posted on its website, the NHF said: “There are no duties placed on housing associations by the Homelessness Reduction Act. However, involvement from housing associations will continue be key to housing and supporting those faced with homelessness.
“We have been talking to MHCLG and groups of members including our Homelessness Steering Group to start to explore how housing associations can support the act.”
