Homelessness code of guidance for local authorities
Publication Year
2026
Document Status
Withdrawn
Abstract
Provides statutory guidance on local authority housing and social services statutory functions in respect of people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. This is in accordance with the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, and local authorities must have regard to the code, by law.
Document History
Superseded by: 15 October 2026 update. Last updated: 30 September 2026, Version 0.31 - Changes to 9.7, 20, 24, 26 and new paragraphs 9.9-9.11, 14.32, 15.40, 22.34-39 due to the new intentional homelessness exemption for certain care leavers. Introduces new paragraph 22.11 to reflect new local offer duty introduced in the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026. Also includes changes to reflect new chapter on young people, including those with care experience to 9.33 and chapter 22. Paragraph moved from chapter 8 to chapter 22. Document type: guidance. First published: 22 February 2018.
Publisher Information
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government is a UK Government ministerial department with responsibility for several policy areas including building regulation, community integration, economic development in coastal and seaside areas, energy efficiency in buildings, high streets and town centres, housing, local enterprise partnerships (LEPs) and Enterprise Zones, localism, planning reform and the planning system. They were previously known as the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, MHCLG, Department for Communities and Local Government, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, and the Department for Transport and Local Government.
