The Role of Local Councils and Housing Associations in Preventing Homelessness
Outline
The Homelessness Reduction Act (HRA) came into force on 3 April 2018. Described by the Local Government Association (LGA) as the ‘most important piece of homelessness legislation…seen in a generation’, and seen as one of the most significant changes to homelessness legislation in 40 years. It shifts the focus towards preventing homelessness, allowing anyone who is homeless or at risk to access help, irrespective of their priority need status.
In addition, though the primary responsibility to tackle homelessness is with local housing authorities, the HRA recognises they cannot do this alone. A new duty to refer, came into force on 1 October 2018. This requires public bodies to refer anyone to a council if they believe they are homeless or at risk. Although, housing associations are not bound by the duty, many are eager to support councils to implement the HRA.
The Act also gives new impetus to strengthening collaborations and partnerships, encouraging collective and coherent action to seek new solutions in tackling and preventing homelessness.
As the country’s housing and homelessness problems continue, this timely Cephas Public Policy symposium provides an invaluable opportunity for key staff who work at all levels across local housing authorities, housing associations, charities and the rest of the housing sector to discuss the latest in government thinking on ending homelessness. While the Act alone can’t solve homelessness, delegates will consider further key structural changes needed, and assess best practice collaboration between councils and their partners from across the country, so we can address one of the greatest challenges of our times.
Order of the Day
09:15 Registration and Morning Refreshments
10:15 Chairs Introduction
10:30 Morning Presentations
The morning and afternoon speaker presentations will cover a range of areas, which may be explored further during Q & A. Delegates will also be encouraged to raise discussion topics during the open floor discussion in the morning and afternoon. These include any issues not covered by the below bullet points.
Examining the current system and the changes needed to end homelessness
- Review the key measures of the Homelessness Reduction Act (HRA) and its impact in preventing and tackling homelessness
- Consider the key structural changes we need to end homelessness and how this can be achieved
- Is it time to reform the Right to Buy (RTB) programme?
- Does our welfare system enable the people most in need to access stable homes?
11:30 Morning Coffee Break
11:45 Open Floor Deliberation and Debate
12:45 Networking Lunch
13:30 Afternoon Presentations
Sharing ideas and learning from best practices across the country
- East of England - housing associations and councils collaborating to provide practical, economical solutions
- South East – understanding work taken as part of The Homelessness Reduction Act Trailblazer programme
- South West - review evidence to what works in homelessness prevention activities
- London – preventing rough sleeping by building on No First Night Out principles
- North West – reforming allocations and lettings policy as part of a strategy to prevent homelessness
14:30 Afternoon Coffee Break
14:45 Open Floor Deliberation and Debate
15:45 Chair’s Closing Remarks and Networking Reception
16:30 Close
Who Should Attend?
Please note the below list is not exclusive, therefore do not be discouraged from attending this event if your organisation or job title is not listed below.
- Local Housing Authorities
- Housing Associations
- Local Authority Housing Officers and Managers
- Homelessness Assessment and Prevention Officers
- Housing Strategy Officers
- Social Landlords
- ALMOs
- Charities
- Representative Groups
- Housing Supply Officers
- Supported Housing Teams
- Private Housing Teams
- Tenant Management Organisations
- Resident Groups
- Tenants and Residents' Associations
- Tenancy Relations Officers
- Private Sector Housing Divisions
- Heads of Spatial Planning
- Letting Agents
- Housing Benefit Teams
- Sheltered Housing Scheme Managers
- Local planning authorities
- Parish Councils
- Community Groups
- Campaigning Organisations
- Voluntary Organisations
- Consultants
- The Legal Profession
- Welfare Rights Organisations
- Neighbourhood Renewal Teams
- Urban Renewal Teams
- Regional Development Agencies
- Developers
- Surveyors
- Elected Members
- Advice and Support Groups
- Councillors
Event Properties
| Event Date | 28-09-2021 9:30 am |
| Event End Date | 28-09-2021 4:30 pm |
| Central Government Departments and Executive Agencies, NDPBs | Register Now |
| Local Authority, Public Education Bodies, Police, Fire Services and NHS Bodies, National Charity, Regional Charity | Register Now |
| Local Charity and Voluntary Organisations, Community Organisations | Register Now |
| Location | Avonmouth House, London |
Pricing Guide
| Private Sector, Central Government Departments and Executive Agencies, NDPBs | Local Authority, Public Education Bodies, Police, Fire Services and NHS Bodies, National Charity, Regional Charity | Local Charity and Voluntary Organisations, Community Organisations |
|
Normal: 1 Place £375 2+ Places £325 each |
Normal: 1 Place £295 2+ Places £255 each |
Normal: 1 Place £185 2+ Places £165 each |
Speakers Include:
Bob Proctor, Housing Options Manager – Trailblazer Project, Brighton & Hove City Council
Our Charity Partner:
For over 20 years HAB has been providing help for people who are homeless in Barnet.
The core aim of HAB Centre is to bring about positive change in the lives of people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, and help them plan for and realise a better future.
We do this by providing advice to help people find accommodation and to access sources of help and support. This could be helping people to gain benefits that they are entitled to; or it could be helping people access education or training – or help them to secure employment. Of course it also means providing the basic essentials – healthy meals, warm clothing, showers and access to medical services. In addition we work to support people in tackling their issues with health and addiction, and we offer creative activities through a ‘Well-Being’ programme to boost confidence, self-esteem and practical skills such as basic cooking and budget management.
