This idea has been created by the Scrutinise team as a historical case study. It represents real legislation that reached the statute book through civil society advocacy. It is presented here to show how that process might have looked on Scrutinise.
Homelessness Reduction Act 2017
Required English councils to intervene 56 days before someone becomes homeless, not just after. Extended the duty of care to all homeless people, not just priority groups.
Summary
Required English councils to intervene 56 days before someone becomes homeless, not just after. Extended the duty of care to all homeless people, not just priority groups.
Challenge (summary)
Councils only had a duty to house people after they became homeless, meaning prevention was rare and thousands of families lost their homes unnecessarily each year.
Approach (summary)
Create a new Prevention Duty requiring councils to take reasonable steps to prevent homelessness 56 days before it occurs, for anyone at risk.
First step (summary)
Amend the Housing Act 1996 to create prevention and relief duties, extend eligibility beyond priority groups, and require personalised housing plans.