7.This section repeals section 65 of the 2014 Act which set out what a local housing authority was required to do when it was required by Chapter 2, Part 2 of that Act to help to secure that suitable accommodation was available, or did not cease to be available, for an applicant. The authority was required to take reasonable steps to help and could take into account the need to make the best use of the authority’s resources. It was not required to provide accommodation.
8.This section also amends section 66  of the 2014 Act (duty to help prevent an applicant from becoming homeless) to provide that where a local housing authority is satisfied that an applicant is at risk of becoming homeless and is eligible for help, the authority must take reasonable steps that are likely to ensure that suitable accommodation remains available for the applicant. This does not mean the authority has to offer the applicant accommodation under Part 6 of the Housing Act 1996 or otherwise provide accommodation for the applicant.
Commentary on Sections Part 1 - Homelessness Section 2: Help to prevent an applicant from becoming homeless