Nuneaton’s MP, Marcus Jones, today said:

“After many months of work leading for the Government on the Homeless Reduction Bill, I am delighted that the Bill has today received Royal Assent and has now become the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.

The Act, which originated as a Private Members Bill moved by fellow Conservative, Bob Blackman MP is the biggest leap forward in English legislation to tackle homelessness for 40 years. It has been a pleasure to lead for the Government and work with Bob, the homelessness charity Crisis and other charities to bring forward the legislation, which was also endorsed by the official opposition.

The legislation, once implemented, will ensure that people get help to prevent homelessness earlier than is the case now, it will also ensure that better help and advice is available to single people, who are not owed the statutory duty to be housed. Behind the scenes there is now a significant amount of work going on to ensure successful implementation of the legislation, which will see £61 million rolled out to local authorities to cover the extra duties required under the Act.

It has been one of the most worthwhile pieces of work that I have done as both an MP and Government Minister, and I am so proud that working with other MPs we have been able to achieve very important and ground breaking legislation to help some of the most vulnerable in our society.”