Associations must work with councils

Housing associations must develop stronger working relationships with local authorities to help tackle homelessness, according
to the sector’s regulator.

The Housing Corporation homelessness strategy said it would consider revising guidelines to ensure associations do not unreasonably withhold housing from homeless people nominated by councils.

It suggested there was a strong case for enabling the work of associations to be monitored by council overview and scrutiny committees.

And it recommended that housing associations prepare homelessness action plans which should include “move on” strategies to get residents out of hostels and supported housing into their own homes.

Homeless Link chief executive Jenny Edwards said she was pleased to see “move on” included in the plan but said a financial commitment was needed to support the goal.

The National Housing Federation, which represents associations, said the strategy should be supported by measures to put the Supporting People programme on a secure financial footing.

Tackling Homelessness