Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:

To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of allowing homeless people to apply to multiple local authorities for homelessness assistance when their (a) work and (b) personal connections are spread over more than one authority.

This Government is committed to reducing the need for temporary accommodation by preventing homelessness before it occurs. Over 600,000 households have been prevented from becoming homeless or supported into settled accommodation since 2018 through the Homelessness Reduction Act

Between 2022 and 2025 we are investing in excess of £1 billion into the Homelessness Prevention Grant. This funds local authorities to work with landlords to prevent evictions and offer financial support for people to find a new home and move out of temporary accommodation.

The Code of Guidance is clear that when local authorities are establishing an applicant's local connection, they should consider employment and family circumstances. Legislation stipulates that where temporary accommodation is provided, it must be suitable, taking account of the needs of the household.