Landmark Supreme Court ruling for homeless people

Help the homeless

The Supreme Court has ruled that English councils will have to provide housing to people who are vulnerable and homeless.

Until now, case law has suggested they only had to do this if they decide someone is more vulnerable than the average homeless person.

The Supreme Court has now made it clear that councils must consider how vulnerable someone is compared to an ordinary person if made homeless, not with an ordinary actual homeless person.

This is an important distinction that will help ensure more single homeless people are considered a priority for housing.

Jon Sparkes, Chief Executive of Crisis Campaigns, responding to the judgment said: “This ruling represents a major step in tackling the injustice faced by so many single homeless people in England today.

“During our intervention in this case, the Court heard evidence of just how horrific a homeless person’s life has to be before they qualify for council help.

"The average age of death for a homeless person is just 47; they are over nine times more likely to commit suicide and 13 times more likely to be a victim of violence. It’s a scandal that someone facing this kind of life can be told they’re not vulnerable enough for help.

“The reality is that anyone sleeping on the streets is vulnerable, and we applaud today’s ruling for making it easier for people to get help.

"The Court is also clear that while councils are often under huge financial strain, this must not be used as an excuse for avoiding their legal duties.”