Homelessness code of guidance for local authorities
Publication Year
2026
Document Status
Current
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
Last updated: 15 October 2026, Version 0.32 - Changes following publication of the Equality and Human Rights Commission Code of Practice for Services, Public Functions and Associations, and the Supreme Court judgment on the meaning of sex in the Equality Act 2010. Contains new definition and changes to 21.4, 21.44, 23.3, 25.25 and 26.34. Also includes a correction to 21.45. 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.
