What is the difference between prevention and relief duties under the Homelessness Reduction Act?

The prevention duty applies when someone is threatened with homelessness within 56 days. The local authority must take reasonable steps to prevent them from becoming homeless. The relief duty applies when someone is already homeless, and the authority must take reasonable steps to help them secure accommodation for at least 6 months. Both duties last up to 56 days, after which a final duty may arise for those in priority need.

Who has priority need for homelessness assistance?

Priority need groups include pregnant women, families with dependent children, victims of domestic abuse, care leavers, former armed forces personnel, and those who are vulnerable due to old age, mental illness, or disability. Local authorities must assess vulnerability on a case-by-case basis. Single, healthy adults without dependents are generally not in priority need unless they are vulnerable for another reason.

Can a local authority refuse help if someone has a local connection elsewhere?

Yes, but only in certain circumstances. If an applicant has no local connection to the area, the authority may refer them to another authority where they do have a connection. However, this cannot be done if the applicant is at risk of domestic abuse or if it would cause them harm. The authority must still provide interim accommodation if there is a priority need and the applicant is homeless.

What is intentional homelessness and how does it affect someone's case?

Intentional homelessness occurs when someone deliberately does or fails to do something that causes them to lose their accommodation, such as not paying rent when they could afford it, or being evicted due to anti-social behaviour. If found intentionally homeless, the local authority may only have a duty to provide advice and assistance, not long-term housing. However, they must still provide interim accommodation if there is a priority need and the applicant is homeless.

How does the CIH Level 3 Certificate help my career in homelessness services?

This qualification is recognised by employers across the housing sector, including local authorities, housing associations, and charities. It demonstrates your understanding of legal duties, assessment processes, and person-centred support. It can lead to roles such as homelessness officer, housing advisor, or support worker, and is a stepping stone to higher-level CIH qualifications and management positions.

What is a personalised housing plan (PHP) and what should it include?

A PHP is a written plan agreed between the applicant and the local authority, setting out the steps each will take to prevent or relieve homelessness. It must include the authority's reasonable steps (e.g., negotiating with a landlord, providing a deposit loan) and the applicant's responsibilities (e.g., attending appointments, searching for accommodation). The plan should be tailored to the individual's circumstances and reviewed regularly.

Homelessness services and prevention

CHARTERED INSTITUTE OF HOUSING

vocational

Homelessness services and prevention involves understanding the multifaceted causes of homelessness, including structural, institutional, and personal factors, and the legal duties of housing authorities under key legislation such as the Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017. Practitioners must be able to assess needs, apply the statutory framework, and coordinate a continuum of accommodation and support services, from emergency shelters to long-term settled housing. Effective prevention requires early intervention, tenancy sustainment, and multi-agency collaboration to address root causes and minimise the risk of housing loss.

Learning Outcomes

Assessment Guidance

Key Skills

Key Terms

Assessment Criteria

Assessment criteria

CIH Level 3 Certificate in Providing Homelessness Services

Topic Overview

The CIH Level 3 Certificate in Providing Homelessness Services equips learners with the specialist knowledge and skills required to support individuals and families experiencing homelessness. This qualification covers the legal frameworks, policy contexts, and practical interventions needed to prevent and respond to homelessness effectively. Students explore the causes of homelessness, the rights of homeless individuals, and the roles of various agencies in delivering housing and support services.

This qualification is essential for those working or aspiring to work in homelessness services, housing advice, or local authority housing departments. It aligns with the Chartered Institute of Housing's professional standards and the UK government's commitment to ending homelessness. By understanding the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, the Housing Act 1996, and local authority duties, students can make a tangible difference in people's lives while advancing their careers in public services.

The course integrates theory with practice, covering assessment, casework, and partnership working. It emphasises person-centred approaches, trauma-informed care, and the importance of early intervention. Students learn to navigate complex systems, advocate for clients, and contribute to strategic planning. This qualification is a stepping stone to higher-level CIH qualifications and specialist roles in housing and social care.

Key Concepts

Core ideas you must understand for this topic

→Homelessness Reduction Act 2017: This landmark legislation places a duty on local authorities to prevent and relieve homelessness for all eligible applicants, not just those in priority need. It requires a personalised housing plan and a 56-day relief duty.
→Priority Need and Intentional Homelessness: Under the Housing Act 1996, certain groups (e.g., families with children, pregnant women, vulnerable adults) have priority need. Intentional homelessness occurs when someone deliberately does something that causes their loss of accommodation, which can affect their rehousing rights.
→The Prevention and Relief Duties: The prevention duty applies to those threatened with homelessness within 56 days; the relief duty applies to those already homeless. Both require local authorities to take reasonable steps to secure accommodation.
→Joint Working and Multi-Agency Partnerships: Effective homelessness services require collaboration with social services, health, probation, and voluntary sector organisations. Information sharing and coordinated support plans are critical.
→Trauma-Informed Practice: Many homeless individuals have experienced trauma. Services must be delivered in a way that avoids re-traumatisation, building trust and empowering clients through choice and control.

Learning Objectives

What you need to know and understand

1. Understand the key factors that can contribute to people becoming homeless.2. Understand the statutory framework for the provision of services to people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.3. Know about the accommodation types and services for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.4. Understand how homelessness may be prevented.

Assessment Criteria

Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio

Award credit for demonstrating a clear understanding of the interplay between structural factors (e.g. poverty, housing market shortages), institutional factors (e.g. discharge from institutions) and personal factors (e.g. relationship breakdown, poor health) that contribute to homelessness.
Award credit for accurately explaining the statutory duties of local authorities under the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, including the prevention duty, relief duty and main housing duty, and the priority need categories.
Award credit for identifying and evaluating a range of accommodation types (e.g. emergency beds, temporary supported housing, private rented sector schemes) and related support services, with reference to their suitability for different client groups.
Award credit for presenting a multi-agency prevention strategy that includes early identification, mediation, tenancy support, welfare advice and collaboration with health, social care and voluntary sector partners.

Assessment Guidance

Guidance for achieving higher grades

💡Always use precise legal terminology when discussing the statutory framework, and reference specific sections of legislation (e.g. s.195, s.189B Housing Act 1996) where relevant.
💡Support answers with case studies or practical examples from your role to demonstrate application of knowledge in real-world housing practice.
💡For prevention questions, detail a step-by-step approach that covers early warning signs, personalised housing plans, and joint working protocols.
💡Ensure your responses reflect current policy and best practice, such as the importance of trauma-informed approaches and the ‘No First Night Out’ initiatives.
💡Always refer to specific legislation (e.g., Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, s.175 Housing Act 1996) and use correct terminology like 'prevention duty' and 'relief duty'. This shows depth of knowledge and earns higher marks.
💡Use case studies to illustrate how duties apply in practice. For example, explain how a local authority would assess a 19-year-old care leaver who is sofa surfing. This demonstrates application of theory.
💡Don't forget the importance of partnership working. Examiners look for understanding of how homelessness services link with health, social care, and the voluntary sector. Mention specific agencies like Shelter or St Mungo's.

Common Mistakes

Common errors to avoid in your coursework

Confusing the main housing duty with the prevention and relief duties, or failing to recognise the sequential stages of the statutory framework.
Ignoring the impact of the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, particularly the extension of duties to all eligible applicants regardless of priority need.
Describing accommodation types without linking them to the specific needs of vulnerable groups, such as rough sleepers, young people, or those with complex needs.
Over-simplifying the causes of homelessness by focusing only on individual behaviours and not addressing structural or systemic factors.
Misconception: 'Only rough sleepers are homeless.' Correction: Homelessness includes those in temporary accommodation, hostels, sofa surfing, or at imminent risk of losing their home. The legal definition is broad and covers hidden homelessness.
Misconception: 'Local authorities have to house everyone immediately.' Correction: Duties are phased and subject to eligibility, priority need, and local connection. The prevention and relief duties require reasonable steps, not necessarily a permanent home.
Misconception: 'Intentional homelessness means the person is to blame and gets no help.' Correction: Even if found intentionally homeless, the authority still has a duty to provide advice and assistance, and in some cases, temporary accommodation for a period.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions students ask about this topic

Before You Start

Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

•A basic understanding of the UK housing system and the roles of local authorities.
•Familiarity with key legislation such as the Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Act 2002.
•Some experience in customer service or support work in a public service setting is beneficial but not essential.

Key Terminology

Essential terms to know

1. Understand the key factors that can contribute to people becoming homeless.2. Understand the statutory framework for the provision of services to people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.3. Know about the accommodation types and services for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.4. Understand how homelessness may be prevented.

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Homelessness services and prevention

Assessment criteria

Topic Overview

Key Concepts

Learning Objectives

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Guidance

Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

Before You Start

Key Terminology

Ready to learn?

Related Topics in CHARTERED INSTITUTE OF HOUSING vocational Public Services

Law, policy and regulation for repairs and maintenance

Building relationships with and advocating for people who are rough sleeping

Context of homelessness and homelessness services

Customer focus in housing

Topic Synopsis

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Common Misconceptions & Mistakes to Avoid

Examiner Marking Points

Homelessness services and prevention

Assessment criteria

Topic Overview

Key Concepts

Learning Objectives

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Guidance

Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between prevention and relief duties under the Homelessness Reduction Act?

Who has priority need for homelessness assistance?

Can a local authority refuse help if someone has a local connection elsewhere?

What is intentional homelessness and how does it affect someone's case?

How does the CIH Level 3 Certificate help my career in homelessness services?

What is a personalised housing plan (PHP) and what should it include?

Before You Start

Key Terminology

Ready to learn?

Related Topics in CHARTERED INSTITUTE OF HOUSING vocational Public Services

Law, policy and regulation for repairs and maintenance

Building relationships with and advocating for people who are rough sleeping

Context of homelessness and homelessness services

Customer focus in housing