Welfare Reform on the Web (December 2010): Homelessness - UK

Welfare minister argues in favour of redefinition of 'homelessness'

P. Wintour

The Guardian, Nov 4th 2010, p. 21

Speaking to the Work and Pensions Select Committee welfare minister Lord Freud signalled a possible revision of the definition of 'homelessness' set out in 1986, so that it does not include overcrowding or the risk of homelessness. Some housing experts have predicted that the government may need to change the definition of 'homelessness' in order to prevent local authorities having to take responsibility for housing benefit recipients unable to pay private sector rents as their benefits are cut.