The Housing Act 1996 (Legislation.gov.uk,1996) provides the statutory underpinning for the action to prevent homelessness and assist people threatened with or who are homeless. This act was extremely important as it was the first legislation which created a foundational framework for how homelessness is defined and managed under the law. It created a duty for housing authorities to assist people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. The introduction of the priority need also introduced which helped those who need access to a home immediately to gain some support. This was significant because it was the first attempt to standardise support for those who are homeless and enabled local authorities to take action against homelessness. 

Due to criticisms of the 1996 act, for excluding those without priority need. The Homelessness (Priority Need for Accommodation) (England) Order 2002 (Legislation.gov.uk,2002) was brought in and was very impactful for the homeless community, as it expanded its definition of ‘priority need’. This meant that domestic violence cases, care leavers, 16/17 year olds, and people who were left vulnerable due to being in prison were all allowed to seek homes. This was significant because the law recognised vulnerability as a basis for housing support, which marked a shift towards greater inclusivity in legal protection for marginalised groups. This helped more people seek emergency accommodations who were previously not eligible due to past legislation.

The Homeless Reduction Act 2017 (Legislation.gov.uk,2017)  significantly reformed England's homelessness legislation by requiring local authorities to intervene at earlier stages to prevent homelessness in their areas. This is the most significant legislation in over 20 years for homelessness. It has shifted a focus from crisis management to early intervention and prevention. It has allowed prevention of homelessness at an earlier stage, as well as giving personalised housing plans for each person who applies for help. This is a beneficial act as it has recognised that all people who are facing homelessness deserve help and support not just those who fit the priority needs category.

Due to faults within the system created, we demand a national ban on no-fault evictions (Section 21), increased investment in social housing and rent caps, protection for renters (including emergency rent support and expanded housing benefit), fully funded mental health and addiction services, and expansion of emergency accommodation that is safe, accessible, and dignified. Finland’s Housing First approach led to an 80% drop in long-term homelessness (Kaakinen and Turunen, 2023). By investigating successful strategies in Finland there are approachews that can be implemented in the Uk to help prevent homelessness.