Homelessness can be seen as having its roots in an inadequate supply of affordable housing in areas where people want to live. However, it often reflects broader issues, where people face complex social and financial problems that make it difficult for them to sustain tenancies or property ownership. The Homelessness Act 2002 introduces new duties for councils to assist the increasing numbers of homeless people.
This report sets out the current learning from inspections, audits and research on homelessness and housing advice services in England and Wales. It's aimed mainly at service managers and staff in homelessness and housing advice services but it also has wider messages relevant to social services staff, independent advice agencies and others involved in providing services for homeless people. It is not an exhaustive guide but is intended to highlight areas commented on by housing inspectors and auditors at a local level. Its main objectives are to help local authorities to:
- improve services to those who are statutory homeless and those in other insecure accommodation
- strengthen the management of homelessness and housing advice services
- implement their new duties under the Homelessness Act 2002, including reviewing services and developing homelessness strategies working in partnership with other stakeholders
- improve service users' experiences
- identify and share good practice and ways to use resources more effectively