Under the new Homelessness Reduction Act which begins on Tuesday 3rd April, those sleeping rough or at risk of becoming homeless will have a legal right to help from their local council, with councils having a duty to identify their housing needs, and provide them with a personalised housing plan. Authorities must take “all reasonable steps” to prevent and relieve homelessness.

One of the main points of the act is that previously people could only seek help if they were likely to become homeless within 28 days, but this has now been extended to 56 days.

Assistance will also be given to those who are homeless but not deemed to be priority need, for example single people without children.

This is a very topical issue in the drinks trade, with a third of pub, bar and brewery workers who come to the Licensed Trade Charity for help seeking assistance on housing issues.
Michael is an example of someone we helped on this issue – you can watch his story below.

If you work or have worked in the drinks trade and have a housing problem, take a look at the range of help we can offer here.