Proposed Change Current Duty by Which Local Authorities Investigate Intentional Homelessness Legislative Competence Order

Mark Isherwood

Pre-ballot Information: Outline Proposed Legislative Competence Order

Outline of proposed Order

Field 11 to be amended to include provision about and in connection with intentional homelessness.

Pre-ballot Information: Explanatory Memorandum

Policy Objectives of the Proposed Order

This proposal is that the Assembly seeks powers to bring forward Assembly Measures to amend or change homelessness law in Wales, by seeking a Legislative Competence Order over part 7 of the Housing Act 1996.

The order would enable provision to be made to the effect that Local Authorities would not be required to investigate intentional homelessness when responding to vulnerable homeless applicants.

In addition, to increase the support and opportunities available to households that are found intentionally homeless to find sustainable and suitable accommodation and/or to re-enter social rented accommodation.

Enable Welsh local authorities to have the same requirement as those in Scotland, not to have to test for intentional homelessness in relation to people aged under 25.

(As proposed by the former Social Justice and Regeneration Committee).

Support Received

Shelter Cymru have been campaigning for this and lobbying the Assembly.

The Social Justice Committee Report on Youth Homelessness recommended the final point on under 25s.