Bob Blackman MP has announced his intention to use his Private Member's Bill to introduce a new law that is aimed at tackling and prevent homelessness in England.
The Conservative MP for Harrow East was drawn second in the ballot which allows MPs to try and put through their own legislation, and is only one of three ways that they can do so.
The Homelessness Reduction Bill has received the backing of homelessness charity Crisis, as well as FirmFoundation and the Harrow Churches Housing Association, and these charities are calling on MPs on all political sides at Westminster to support it.
Drawing on the recommendations of an expert panel of council representatives, lawyers and housing experts, the bill would require all councils in England to take action to prevent people from becoming homeless in the first place.
Bob Blackman MP said: "I am delighted to announce that my Private Members’ Bill will focus on preventing and tackling homelessness in England.
"During the CLG Committee’s recent inquiry into homelessness, I heard disturbing first-hand accounts from people who’d been forced to sleep on the streets because they couldn’t get the help they needed.
"We cannot stand by and allow this to continue. That’s why I’m calling on my fellow MPs to help put an end to this injustice once and for all by supporting my Bill.
"It’s not a cure-all, but it will be a major step forward in tackling homelessness. I served in local government for 24 years before becoming an MP and I have seen at first hand the importance of taking action to combat homelessness."
