William Eichler 04 April 2019

Cash-strapped councils struggle to fulfil homelessness prevention duties

Over two thirds of councils say they do not have sufficient funding to fulfil their statutory duty to prevent homelessness.

The New Local Government Network Leadership Index survey has revealed that councils are struggling to pay for new duties included in the Homelessness Reduction Act.

Published on the one-year anniversary of the Act, the survey reveals that around 67% of local authorities think they do not have sufficient funding to fulfil their statutory duty to prevent homelessness.

The Homelessness Reduction Act requires councils to prevent and relieve homelessness. The Government made £72.7m available to help cash-strapped councils with these new duties.

However, according to the survey findings, only 19% of council chiefs feel that they have adequate funding to meet the requirements of the Act, and 86% of predominantly urban councils say they are unlikely to meet their statutory duty.

‘The Government’s aspiration to shift towards prevention is admirable but this survey shows that without sustained, long-term funding of local government it will make that goal much harder and probably impossible to achieve,’ said Adam Lent, the director of the NLGN.

‘There is an urgent need for Government to review current funding for homelessness, particularly in the long-term, and ensure its policy aims marry with the resources available to local authorities across the UK.’

The survey was sent to 816 council leaders, chief executives and mayors across the UK and received 188 complete responses.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Purchase to Pay Administrator (Fixed Term) - WMF2122e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£25,584 - £25,992
We are looking for an Administrator to join our Purchase to Pay and Accounts Receivables team Cumbria / Various
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Social Worker - WMF2123e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£41,511 - £42,708
We’re looking for passionate social workers to join our team in Kendal following a recent reshape of our services. Kendal, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Environmental Health Officer

Wyre Borough Council
£38,626 - £41,511
We are looking to appoint a full time Environmental Health Officer within the Environmental Protection and Community Safety Department. Poulton-Le-Fylde, Lancashire
Recuriter: Wyre Borough Council

Trainee Graduate Accountant

Wyre Borough Council
£25,992 - £37,938
Are you looking to kickstart your career in Finance? Poulton-Le-Fylde, Lancashire
Recuriter: Wyre Borough Council

Environmental Services Support Officer

Wyre Borough Council
£25,183 - £25,584
We are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Environmental Services Support Officer to join our Environment Directorate. Poulton-Le-Fylde, Lancashire
Recuriter: Wyre Borough Council
Linkedin Banner