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

2. 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

3. 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

4. Main findings – Duty to Refer

5. 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

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

7. Recommendations

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