Rebecca Harris MP was delighted to be in the House of Commons today as the House passed Conservative MP Bob Blackman’s Homelessness Reduction Bill. The Bill, supported by the Government is decisive action to tackle the problem of homelessness.

The Bill will oblige Councils to start assessing someone at risk of being made homeless 56 days before they lose their home. Currently the threat of homelessness is defined as starting 28 days before they lose their home. The Bill will mean that homeless people will receive help much earlier than in the past. The bill has been described by homeless charity Crisis as ‘one of the most important developments for homelessness in nearly 40 years’. It creates a new duty on Councils to relieve the homelessness of anyone who is currently homeless and eligible for help. It also creates a new duty for public bodies to make referrals to Councils if they are working with someone who is homeless or at risk of homelessness.

Speaking about the Bill, Rebecca said:

“I was pleased to support Bob Blackman’s bill and I am thrilled that it has been passed in the House of Commons today. Unfortunately Homelessness is still a problem in this Country and I believe that this Bill will help remove the barriers to support that many homeless people face.”