The UK government is set to introduce new measures aimed at strengthening local councils’ ability to house homeless families, Labour’s Deputy Leader Angela Rayner announced at the party’s conference. Under the proposed changes, housing associations in England will be required to provide social housing to homeless families unless there is a justified reason to refuse.

The reforms are intended to address rising numbers of rough sleepers and families living in temporary accommodation, which have seen significant increases in recent years. In addition to compelling housing associations, the government will grant local councils a 60-day period to bid on social homes when they become available on the market. Public services will also be mandated to refer individuals at risk of homelessness to housing support services.

Matt Downie, director of research and policy at the homelessness charity Crisis, welcomed the new referral duty, describing it as crucial for ensuring access to social housing. Downie suggested that the policy could mark a turning point in efforts to reduce rough sleeping nationwide, particularly ahead of the winter season.

In her conference speech, Rayner emphasized the role of councils in managing local housing needs and holding responsibility for families facing housing insecurity. She highlighted the importance of increasing public control over social housing and confirmed her commitment to expanding council housing stock.

The government’s proposed interventions seek to empower local authorities with greater tools to tackle homelessness, aiming to improve outcomes for vulnerable populations and reduce reliance on temporary accommodation. The measures will likely prompt further debate on social housing policy and the roles of various stakeholders in addressing the homelessness crisis.