Shapps outlines 'safeguards' ahead of moving homeless families into private rented sector

Published by Jon Land for 24dash.com in Housing and also in Central Government, Communities, Local Government

Housing Minister Grant Shapps today outlined new "safeguards" to ensure vulnerable families are placed in suitable, privately-rented accommodation - with an assured fixed-term tenancy of at least 12 months.

The Department for Communities and Local Government's latest consultation document comes ahead of a new power giving councils more options to tackle record housing waiting lists and move people out of "expensive" temporary accommodation such as B&Bs.

A change in the law - aimed at tackling record waiting lists that doubled in the previous 15 years - would mean local authorities will be able to fulfil their legal duty to vulnerable residents who fall homeless by finding them suitable accommodation in the private rented sector.

Ministers acted because councils have been restricted by rules limiting how they could help those at risk of homelessness - with those deemed eligible for help able to turn down offers of private rented accommodation and wait for a social home.

According to Mr Shapps, this has left councils with a bill for expensive temporary accommodation and other residents languishing on waiting lists.

The consultation paper also sets out how homeless families should face the least possible disruption when being offered new accommodation.

The safeguards include:

• A current Gas Safety record
• The accommodation and any appliances or furnishings provided conforming to standards on fire and electrical safety
• Precautions to be taken by landlords to prevent the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning
• The need for a valid Energy Performance Certificate; and
• A written tenancy agreement that the local authority considers adequate.

Mr Shapps said the new rules would also ensure families avoided the upheaval of a long-distance move wherever possible.

Housing Minister Grant Shapps said: "With record numbers on housing waiting lists, we're absolutely determined to give councils the flexibility they need to fulfil their statutory duties to the homeless while managing their housing stock in a way that's fair to all residents.

"At the same time, the most vulnerable in our communities who find themselves homeless through no fault of their own deserve a safe and secure roof over their heads, close to their community wherever possible. These new safeguards will ensure vulnerable families have this reassurance whether they're placed in the private or social rented sector."

The consultation - in line with the Localism Act - also includes protections to ensure that the accommodation in the private sector will be available for a "sufficient period of time" to provide certainty for households.

The assured shorthold tenancy must be for a minimum fixed term of 12 months and if the applicant becomes unintentionally homeless again within two years of accepting the private rented sector offer, the main homelessness duty will recur regardless of priority need.