Preventing youth homelessness: An assessment of local approaches Dr Luke Heselwood and Imogen Farhan

Research aims and methods WHY? Assess the impact of the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 Young people (16-24) are at particular risk of homelessness Youth homelessness figures continue to rise HOW? 2 FOIs to all local housing authorities First FOI received 249 responses Second FOI received 267 responses 45 semi-structured interviews, including 19 local authorities Advisory board and external reviewers

Homelessness Reduction Act Improved information and advice Duty to Refer Assessment and personalised housing plans Duty to prevent homelessness Duty to relieve homelessness Homelessness Reduction Act

Main findings – Duty to Refer

Main findings – a postcode lottery in service provision Variation in joint working Joint protocols Forums Local authority partnerships Data sharing Variation in local leadership Variation in homelessness strategies Homelessness prevention strategies Personalised housing plans

Tackling short-termism Funding constraints Funding cycles Political short-termism

Recommendations

Future research – please keep in touch! Spending Review Opportunities for partnerships across public services – events and research