Homelessness Bill Passed

After a long debate yesterday the Homelessness Reduction Bill promoted by my colleague from Harrow East passed its Second Reading and will now proceed to be considered further in Committee. The bill will not of itself solve the problem of homelessness but it will help local authorities focus on helping everyone. In particular single homeless people who have no special priority will, in future, be entitled to help and advice. There are many reasons why people become homeless. A change in financial circumstances perhaps because of unexpected redundancy or as a result of ill health. Perhaps because of relationship breakdown. Sometimes those facing homelessness have fallen victim to addiction to drugs or alcohol. There are many complex reasons but in a civilised society we should be doing more for our fellow citizens than allowing anyone to be homeless. Hopefully this bill will be a step in the right direction.