New homelessness powers for councils and housing associations in England have been announced by Angela Rayner as part of a major social housing drive. The Deputy Prime Minister will tell the Labour conference that housing associations cannot decline to house homeless families without good reason, in a move aimed at increasing public control of housing.
What Are the New Homelessness Powers?
The measures include giving local councils 60 days to bid to buy social homes when they go on the market, and compelling public services to refer people at risk of homelessness for housing support. Housing associations will be required to have a valid reason for refusing to house homeless families. These powers are designed to reduce rough sleeping and the number of families stuck in temporary accommodation, which has risen sharply in recent years.
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Impact on Temporary Accommodation and Rough Sleeping
Almost 180,000 children are currently living in temporary accommodation, a figure that has surged due to the housing crisis. Homelessness charities have called the new powers a “gamechanger” that could make a significant difference. By enabling councils to secure more social homes and refer at-risk individuals earlier, the government hopes to break the cycle of homelessness.
Key Takeaways from the Announcement
- Housing associations must have a good reason to refuse housing homeless families.
- Councils get 60 days to bid for social homes on the market.
- Public services must refer people at risk of homelessness for support.
- Greater share of housing cash may go to councils for building new homes.
- Andy Burnham advocates for spending affordable homes funds on social homes.
Comparison of Current vs. New Powers
| Aspect | Current System | New Powers |
|---|---|---|
| Housing Association Refusals | Can decline without justification | Must have good reason |
| Council Bidding Time | No set period | 60 days to bid |
| Referrals from Public Services | Not mandatory | Compelling referrals |
| Funding for Council Housing | Limited share | Greater share possible |
Reactions from Charities and Local Leaders
Homelessness charities have welcomed the announcement, saying it has the potential to significantly reduce rough sleeping and temporary accommodation numbers. Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, has previously said he would like to spend all funds from the affordable homes programme on social homes. Rayner commented, “Andy’s put even greater focus on council housing for sure. It’s very clear our ambition is for council building, and we are the start of that work.”
What This Means for Social Housing
The new powers represent a shift towards more public control of housing, with councils given more tools to acquire and build social homes. The government is also hinting at a greater share of housing cash for councils, with Rayner “tapping them on the shoulder” to put in more plans for the next funding round. This could lead to a significant increase in council-built homes, addressing the chronic shortage of social housing.
FAQ
What are the new homelessness powers for councils?
The new powers allow councils 60 days to bid to buy social homes when they go on the market, require housing associations to have good reason to refuse housing homeless families, and compel public services to refer people at risk of homelessness for housing support.
How will these powers affect temporary accommodation?
By enabling councils to secure more social homes and refer at-risk individuals earlier, the powers aim to reduce the number of families in temporary accommodation, which currently includes almost 180,000 children.
What did Angela Rayner say about council housing?
Rayner said the government's ambition is for council building and that they are the start of that work. She also hinted at giving a greater share of housing cash to councils to build new homes.
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