Shapps launches homelessness duty consultation

Housing Minister Grant Shapps has published details of how councils may place homeless people in private rented accommodation.

The proposals set out how the government sees councils placing housing applicants in 'good quality' private rented accommodation.

The consultation document puts the onus on local authorities to ensure that private rented accommodation is suitable for housing applicants. This means checking that the property:

• is in a good physical condition
• meets relevant fire, gas and electrical safety regulations
• is licensed where required
• has a fit and proper landlord.

The consultation also seeks to clarify the position of councils placing housing applicants outside of their local authority area. The government is keen to ensure that homeless people are not placed 'hundreds of miles' away from where they applied.