Welfare Reform on the Web (January 2002): Homelessness - UK
ACTION STATIONS ON HOMELESSNESS
R. Campbell
Roof, Nov./Dec. 2001, p. 13
The Homelessness Bill lays a new duty on local authorities to draw up an action plan to prevent homelessness. Councils will have to publish a homelessness strategy, based on a Review, within 12 months of the introduction of the Act.
LOOKING FOR CHANGE: THE ROLE AND IMPACT OF BEGGING ON THE LIVES OF PEOPLE WHO BEG
S. Jowett et al
London: Rough Sleepness Unit, 2001
People who beg on the streets do not choose their lifestyle and are driven to it by a range of problems including substance misuse, mental illness, family breakdown and homelessness. They are extremely vulnerable, and their circumstances place them at considerable risk of assault. Social policy in this area needs to move away from coercion and control towards the active enabling of homeless people to make positive choices. Services should be responsive, multifaceted and user-led and address the range of circumstances that lead to begging.
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT
R. Downey
Community Care, Nov. 1st-7th 2001, p. 28-29
Describes the adverse effects of life in bed and breakfast accommodation on the physical and mental health of homeless families and on their children's education.
ROOM FOR DOUBT
J. Cunningham
Guardian. Society, Nov. 14th 2001, p. 2-3
Reports the formation of a new Bed and Breakfast Unit, charged by government with reducing the numbers of homeless families in hotel accommodation.