YMCA responds to the news that the Homelessness Reduction Bill has passed its second reading in Parliament.
Denise Hatton, Chief Executive of YMCA England, the national council of YMCAs in England and Wales, said: “YMCA welcomes news that the Homelessness Reduction Bill has passed its second reading in Parliament today (Friday 28 October).
“YMCAs across the country see first-hand the devastating impact that homelessness can have on the life of an individual, particularly young people. This Bill presents a crucial first step in ensuring those who need help are supported before they are faced with the very real dangers of rough sleeping.
“It is now important that this Bill is backed up with greater targeted support for young people who find themselves homeless and in need of rebuilding their lives. We know from listening to the stories of our residents how essential it is for them to have a safe and stable place to live in order for them to achieve their potential.”
Proposed measures in the Bill include:
- A stronger duty on councils to provide information and advice on homelessness and ensuring advice services are designed to meet the needs of people who are at particular risk of homelessness, including people with mental health problems
- Recognising a household is ‘threatened with homelessness’ if they are at risk of losing their accommodation within 56 days, rather than within 28 days as is currently the case
- A duty on councils to help prevent anyone threatened with homelessness from losing their accommodation, providing they are eligible for assistance
- A duty on councils to help secure accommodation for anyone who is already homeless, providing they are eligible for assistance.
YMCA England is the national council of YMCAs across England and Wales. With just under 11,000 beds, YMCA is the largest voluntary sector provider of supported accommodation to homeless young people in England and Wales.