MP have been pledging their support for a new law to help tackle homelessness after meeting with campaigners from across the country during a mass lobby organised by Crisis.

More than 200 campaigners, many with experience of homelessness, met with more than 50 MPs at Westminster yesterday (October 19) to ask them to support the ‘Homelessness Reduction Bill’ during a crucial parliamentary debate on October 28.

Proposed by Bob Blackman MP and supported by homelessness charities including Crisis, the bill could transform the help available to homeless people in England. However, if fewer than 100 MPs attend the debate, the bill could easily be blocked, making support from MPs critical. 

Homelessness is rising, yet, the law as it stands means that homeless people who approach their council for help can be turned away to sleep on the street. If passed, the new law would help to prevent people from losing their home in the first place and make sure all homeless people can get help when they need it, whilst continuing to protect families with children from homelessness.

Crisis Chief Executive Jon Sparkes said: “Campaigners from right across the country – many with experience of homelessness – have been calling on their MPs to support the Homelessness Reduction Bill when it comes before parliament on October 28.

“Sadly, the law as it stands means that homeless people who approach their council for help can be turned away to sleep on the street. Many of the campaigners joining our call will have been through this themselves, and understand better than anyone why the system needs to change.

“The Homelessness Reduction could be one of the most important things to happen to homelessness in nearly 40 years. It is a major opportunity to improve the rights of people currently shut out of the system, whist continuing to protect families with children from homelessness. We must seize this historic opportunity.” 

ENDS

For further information or for spokesperson interviews call 020 7426 3853 or email thomas.phillips@crisis.org.uk For out of hours media enquiries please call: 07973 372587