The Homelessness Act 2002 placed a new responsibility on local authorities to develop strategies for tackling homelessness; the categories for priority need for homeless single people were extended; the Government set a target to reduce to zero the use of bed and breakfast accommodation for families with children; Supporting People is set to change forever the funding of supported housing.
How will these factors (and more) influence the way that local authorities will work in future with voluntary agencies tackling homelessness? How can agencies prepare themselves to take advantage of the opportunities that will arise and not be swamped by the threats?
This seminar on 25th March 2003 helped senior agency staff explore and understand how the new environment may impact on them. The seminar was designed for voluntary agencies, but also involved representatives from central, local and regional government - over 80 people in all. Top quality speakers set the scene and focussed discussion groups ensured that key issues were identified and discussed.
The seminar was chaired by Joe Saxton of nfpSynergy and speakers included:
John Ransford, Director of Education and Social Policy at the ALG(now London Councils)
Neil O'Connor, Assistant Director, Homelessness Directorate
Neil Litherland, Director of Housing, London Borough of Camden
Mark Kleinman, Head of Housing and Homelessness, GLA
