1. Housing Act and Homelessness-Equalities Housing Policy Division Welsh Government geoff.marlow@wales.gsi.gov.uk

2. Overview: A new framework for preventing and relieving homelessness Vision:  Help for everyone at risk  Early intervention  Making best use of all resources  Working with each person to find the best solution  Partnership working across boundaries

3. HOUSING (WALES) ACT 2014 Ten Year Homelessness Plan 2009 Review of homelessness legislation 2012-13 White Paper May 2013 Housing Bill published November 2013 Act passed September 2014 Comes into force 27 th April 2015

4. Main Changes in the law: New duty to help prevent homelessness New duty to help people secure a home Intentional homelessness a power not a duty Discharge of duties into private rented sector Stronger duty to co-operate for housing associations

5. Supporting Implementation:  Code of Guidance  Transitional Funding for Local Authorities  Review of Homelessness Grant programme  Training programme and partnership events  Research  New data collection-consultation March 2015  Communications

6. Implications for Equalities: A new framework for helping everyone at risk Priority need remains but less important Help for vulnerable people not in priority need Need to promote awareness of legislation Monitoring impact in a complex environment

7. Thank you – any questions? Geoff Marlow Housing Policy Division Welsh Government geoff.marlow@wales.gsi.gov.uk