Welfare Reform on the Web (May 2002): Homelessness - UK

BREAKFAST BUSINESS

D. Gilliver

Housing, Feb. 2002, p. 16-18

Report of an interview with Ashley Horsey, head of the government's new Bed and Breakfast Unit. Argues that the key to reducing the number of homeless families in bed and breakfast hotels is facilitation of access to private sector accommodation.

A FAIR HEARING FOR HOMELESS PEOPLE

R. Campbell

Roof, Mar/Apr 2002, p. 13

People asking for a review of a council's decision not to house them at present have to put their case to a senior council official not involved in the original application. However, recent case law invoking the European Convention on Human Rights could force councils to use a fully independent panel to resolve reviews.

HELPING HOMELESS PEOPLE: AN ACTION PLAN FOR PREVENTION AND EFFECTIVE RESPONSE: HOMELESSNESS TASK FORCE FINAL REPORT

Edinburgh: Scottish Executive, 2002

 Recommends that:

• legislation should be changed to ensure that all homeless people are entitled to permanent accommodation by 2012, and that they can apply to any local authority in Scotland;
• all local authorities should provide access to a rent deposit scheme by 2004;
• local authorities must establish comprehensive crisis response systems;
• use of B&B accommodation for families and the use of large scale hostels should be eliminated;
• greater priority should be given to meeting the healthcare needs of homeless people and to improving employment and training opportunities.

(For comment see Roof, Mar/Apr 2002, p. 16-19)