Charnwood prepares for new homelessness act

One of the responsibilities of local Southfields councillor Paul Mercer (pictured with Charnwood’s housing officers) in his capacity as lead member for housing on Charnwood Borough Council has been to oversee the implementation of the changes that will be required when the new Homelessness Reduction Act comes into force on 3 April. “The Act represents the most significant changes to homelessness legislation in 20 years and imposes on Charnwood several new duties which have required staff to change their working practices and required additional resources”, commented Paul. “The aim of the act is to make us more effective in tackling single homelessness without undermining the rights that people currently have under the existing system”. In order to implement the Act, staff, partners and indeed Paul have undergone training and he has had a meeting with the finance Lead Member, Tom Barkley, to discuss the financial implications of the Act. Charnwood has also recruited two additional Housing Options Officers and is also appointing a Social Lettings Coordinator. It has introduced a new allocations partner and will need to work far more closely with its partner organisations. Charnwood’s approach towards homelessness was recently examined by its Policy Scrutiny Group (PSG) and both Paul and one of the chief officers presented a report and ask questions from members. The request for their appearance was made by the other Southfields councillor, Ted Parton. “I’m pleased to say that every member of the PSG – both Conservative and Labour – seemed more than happy with the way in which they were diligently going about the task of ensuring that Charnwood not only complied with the Act but also the spirit and seemed fully prepared for the its implications”, commented Ted.