A third of young people in England who approached their local authority for help in 2023/24 were not assessed under the Homelessness Reduction Act (HRA) 2017.
The charity Centrepoint’s latest Youth Homelessness Databank and Helpline data indicate that some local authorities are using practices that restrict access to support, with ‘gatekeeping’ reported in 44% of councils mentioned by young callers. Between August 2024 and July 2025, the Helpline recorded 449 instances of gatekeeping – a 2% rise on the previous year.
The report warns that these practices may be preventing vulnerable young people from receiving statutory assessments and assistance.
Centrepoint is calling for ringfenced Government funding, improved monitoring of HRA implementation, and a youth-specific chapter in the Homelessness Code of Guidance to ensure consistent and fair support across England.
