Homelessness

CPD Points: 3

The number of people sleeping rough in England has risen for the sixth year in a row, according to the recent official figures. According to a snapshot survey, an estimated 4,134 people slept rough in 2016, an increase of 16% on the previous year’s figure of 3,569 and more than double the 2010 figure. Unfortunately, many campaigners believe that the official figures are an underestimate. Moreover, the official figures do not include people living in hostels or shelters or formal temporary accommodation. Shelter has estimated that more than 250,000 people in England are homeless or lack a permanent place to live.

In this Seminar, the third in Garden Court North Chamber’s Housing Team’s 2017 Seminar Programme, we will provide you with a clear understanding of recent changes to homelessness law so that you are better able to assist the homeless.

This will include:

Homelessness Reduction Bill 2016‑17 – (Text of Bill agreed by both houses – now awaiting Royal Assent) Changes to duties to those homeless and threatened with homelessness;
Vulnerability and PSEA post Hotak – A review of authorities on vulnerability and the Public Sector Equality Duty under s.149 EA 2010 subsequent to Hotak v Southwark LBC [2015] UKSC 30;
Suitability and the interests of Children – The landscape after Nzolameso v City of Westminster (Respondent) [2015] UKSC 2;
Intentionality – post Haile v London Borough of Waltham Forest(Respondent) [2015] UKSC 34; and
General round up of other recent homelessness case law.