An independent review of the legal duties owed to homeless people

27th April 2016

The Housing (Homeless Persons) Act (1977) made local authorities responsible for the long-term rehousing of some groups of homeless people for the first time.

This report outlines the findings of an independent expert panel who assessed the strengths and weaknesses of current homelessness legislation in England. It recommends legislative changes in order to prevent and tackle homelessness more effectively.

St Mungo’s was part of the independent panel of experts which also included lawyers, homelessness charities, academics, local authorities and housing associations. The panel found that current legal duties to prevent homelessness are too limited and help frequently comes too late to keep someone in their home.

The group was convened by Crisis and chaired by Professor Suzanne Fitzpatrick of Heriot-Watt University.

The Housing (Homeless Persons) Act (1977) made local authorities responsible for the long-term rehousing of some groups of homeless people for the first time.

This report outlines the findings of an independent expert panel who assessed the strengths and weaknesses of current homelessness legislation in England. It recommends legislative changes in order to prevent and tackle homelessness more effectively.

St Mungo’s was part of the independent panel of experts which also included lawyers, homelessness charities, academics, local authorities and housing associations. The panel found that current legal duties to prevent homelessness are too limited and help frequently comes too late to keep someone in their home.

The group was convened by Crisis and chaired by Professor Suzanne Fitzpatrick of Heriot-Watt University.

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