152.This section amends sections 52, 60 and 98 of the 2014 Act.
153.Local housing authorities are required by section 50 of the 2014 Act to develop and adopt a strategy to address homelessness. Section 52 of the 2014 Act makes provision about the objectives and content of those homelessness strategies and about consultation requirements. Section 28(2) of the Act amends section 52(8) of the 2014 Act to include people in the authority’s area who are, or have been, homeless or threatened with homelessness within the list of people and bodies that the local housing authority must consult with (if it considers appropriate) before adopting or changing its homelessness strategy.
154.Section 60 of the 2014 Act requires local housing authorities to arrange the provision of free information, advice, and assistance in accessing help to people in their area or those who have a local connection with the area on matters linked to homelessness. The local housing authorities must work with other public authorities, voluntary organisations and others to ensure that the service is designed to meet the needs of those who are at particular risk of homelessness. Section 28(3) amends section 60(4) of the 2014 Act so that local housing authorities must also work with people in the authority’s area who are, or have been, homeless or threatened with homelessness for that purpose.
155.Section 98 of the 2014 Act relates to guidance given by the Welsh Ministers under Part 2 of the 2014 Act and requires local housing authorities to have regard to such guidance when they exercise their functions related to homelessness.
156.Section 28(4) inserts section 98(5) into the 2014 Act which requires the Welsh Ministers to consult with such public or local authorities, voluntary organisations, and people in Wales who are, or have been, homeless or threatened with homelessness, as well as any other persons, as they consider appropriate, before giving, changing or withdrawing guidance under Part 2 of the 2014 Act.
Commentary on Sections Part 1 - Homelessness Section 28: Duty to seek the views of homeless persons in exercise of homelessness functions