Legislation is a critical tool in addressing societal issues, and homelessness is no exception. The United Kingdom made significant strides in this area with the enactment of the Homelessness Act 2002. This Act outlines the responsibilities and duties of local housing authorities in preventing homelessness and providing necessary support to those affected.
However, legislation must evolve to keep pace with changing societal needs and challenges. The Homelessness Act 2002 is not an exception and has been updated by the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017. This update introduced significant changes, further strengthening the UK’s legislative approach to homelessness.
This article offers a comprehensive review of the Homelessness Act 2002, its key provisions, its impact, and the subsequent changes brought about by the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017. The goal is to provide a clear understanding of the UK’s legislative response to homelessness and the ongoing efforts to improve it.