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Written question asked by Grahame Morris (Labour) on Tuesday, 22 October 2024, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 28 October 2024 (named day). It was answered by Rushanara Ali (Labour) on Monday, 28 October 2024 on behalf of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Homelessness

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 21 October 2024 to Question 9158 on Homelessness, what redress is available to a receiving Local Authority when a local authority breaches section 208 of the Housing Act 1996 by failing to notify them of an out-of-area placement.

Answer

Homelessness legislation and the Code of Guidance is clear that local authorities should place individuals within their own area, and when this is not possible, they should place the household as near as possible. The Government is clear that local authorities should, as far as possible, avoid placing households out of their borough. However, this is not always possible when there is a limited supply of suitable accommodation.

Under section 208 of the Housing Act 1996, if a local authority places a household into accommodation in another local area, they are required by law to notify the local authority of any placement, to ensure there is no disruption to education or employment. This notification should be happening in every out of area placement.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
10425
Session
2024-26
Related items
Homelessness
Monday, 21 October 2024
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects
Homelessness Location Regulation
Legislation
Housing Act 1996
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk