Steve Double, Member of Parliament for St Austell and Newquay, has welcomed the Homelessness Reduction Act, which came into force at the beginning of April.
The Act provides new support to people who aren’t entitled to help under the current system.
Single homeless people who go to their councils for help in England are often turned away because they are not considered a ‘priority’.
The Act requires councils to try and prevent people from becoming homeless in the first place, incorporating prevention and relief duties for the councils, as well as a duty to refer for other public services, and continued protection for affected families.
Commenting, Steve said:
“I am delighted to have supported this landmark act, which began as a Private Members Bill sponsored by Conservative MP Bob Blackman.”
“It represents the most transformative change to homelessness legislation in England in 40 years, and should transform the help councils are expected to provide to homeless people.”
“I am pleased that the Government has allocated £72.7 million of new funding over the next two years to make these changes and start delivering the new duties.”
“I will be working closely with Cornwall Council to ensure they are fully aware of the new powers available to them and use them appropriately and effectively.”