'Historic' bill could 'transform how we tackle homelessness'

Conservative MP and member of the Communities and Local Government Committee, Bob Blackman, has today announced that he will use his Private Members' Bill to champion a new law aimed at tackling and preventing homelessness in England.

The Homelessness Reduction Bill has received the backing of national homelessness charity, Crisis, who are calling on MPs from across the political spectrum to support it.

Drawing on the recommendations of an expert panel of council representatives, lawyers and housing experts, the bill would require all councils in England to take action to prevent people from becoming homeless in the first place.

Bob Blackman MP said: “I am delighted to announce that my Private Members’ Bill will focus on preventing and tackling homelessness in England. During the CLG Committee’s recent inquiry into homelessness, I heard disturbing first-hand accounts from people who’d been forced to sleep on the streets because they couldn’t get the help they needed. We cannot stand by and allow this to continue. That’s why I’m calling on my fellow MPs to help put an end to this injustice once and for all by supporting my Bill. It’s not a cure-all, but it will be a major step forward in tackling homelessness. I served in local government for 24 years before becoming an MP and I have seen at first hand the importance of taking action to combat homelessness.”

Crisis Chief Executive Jon Sparkes said: “This bill could transform how we tackle homelessness in England. It offers an historic opportunity, and if passed, would represent one of the most important developments for homelessness in nearly 40 years.

“Homelessness isn’t inevitable, yet the law as it stands in England means that single homeless people who go to their councils for help can be turned away with no option but to sleep on the streets. This is unacceptable.

“Prevention is better than cure, and for homeless people this is especially so. It’s already been shown to work in Wales, where it has dramatically reduced the need for people to be re-housed. 

“There is a wealth of evidence, opinion and support for a change in the law on homelessness in England, and we urge MPs from all parties to get behind this historic bill.

“For all these reasons we will stand beside Mr Blackman as he pushes this bill through Parliament.”

ENDS

For further information or for spokesperson interviews call 020 7426 3853 or email thomas.phillips@crisis.org.uk For out of hours media enquiries please call: 07973 372587