Latest news with #RushanaraAli
Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Times
Rough sleeping to be decriminalised
Rough sleeping is to be decriminalised after the government pledged to get rid of a 200-year-old law against vagrancy. Labour said the Vagrancy Act, which became law in 1824 and criminalises 'idle and disorderly persons, and rogues and vagabonds, in England', will be repealed by next spring. Angela Rayner, the deputy prime minister, who is also housing secretary, said Labour was 'drawing a line under nearly two centuries of injustice towards some of the most vulnerable in society'. She said: 'No one should ever be criminalised simply for sleeping rough and by scrapping this cruel and outdated law, we are making sure that can never happen again.' Rushanara Ali, the homelessness minister, said the 'archaic' law was 'neither just nor fit for purpose'. She added: 'Scrapping the Vagrancy Act for good is another step forward in our mission to tackle homelessness in all its forms, by focusing our efforts on its root causes.' The government said new 'targeted measures will ensure police have the powers they need to keep communities safe — filling the gap left over by removing previous powers'. These will be brought in through amendments to the Crime and Policing Bill. There will be new offences of facilitating begging for gain and trespassing with the intention of committing a crime. Ministers said that means organised begging by criminal gangs will remain a crime. It will be illegal for anyone to organise others to beg. Homelessness charities hailed the law change. Matt Downie, the Crisis chief executive, said: 'This is a landmark moment that will change lives and prevent thousands of people from being pushed into the shadows, away from safety.' He praised the government for showing 'principled leadership in scrapping this pernicious act'. He said: 'We hope this signals a completely different approach to helping people forced on to the streets and clears the way for a positive agenda that is about supporting people who desperately want to move on in life and fulfil their potential. We look forward to assisting the UK government with their forthcoming homelessness strategy to do exactly that.' Emma Haddad, chief executive of St Mungo's, said the act's repeal 'cannot come soon enough' and called for a 'focus on tackling the health, housing and wider societal issues that are causing homelessness in the first place'. Centrepoint, the youth homelessness charity, warned that a challenge would be 'ensuring that proposed amendments don't have the unintended consequences of punishing people instead of supporting them'.
Scotsman
20-05-2025
- General
- Scotsman
Call for action as survey reveals 35% of homes with spray foam have defect
Homeowners in Scotland are being urged to be vigilant to issues surrounding spray foam insulation. From gorgeous Georgian town houses to jaw-dropping penthouses, converted campervans to bargain boltholes. Take a peek at the finest homes across the UK. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The move comes as a national survey conducted by national trade body the Property Care Association (PCA) has found that 35% of homes fitted with spray foam insulation had one or more defects as a result. In 27% of cases, this included recommendations to replace the insulation in the roof or replace the roof altogether. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The problems and costs involved are so significant that PCA has joined with the HomeOwners Alliance to reiterate calls for action from the government in a second letter to Miatta Fahnbulleh MP, Minister for Energy Consumers and Rushanara Ali MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government). Chief Executive of the HomeOwners Alliance, Paula Higgins Sarah Garry is Chief Executive at the PCA. She said: 'Our survey of spray foam surveyors is, as far as we know, the only type of independent questioning on this topic to have happened in the UK to date. 'The results show that surveyors identified one or more divergence from the Sprayed Foam Inspection Protocol in 79% of properties and that surveyors identified one or more defect in 35% of properties as a result of spray foam. 'In 27% of cases, surveyors recommended major works, either replacing the insulation or re-roofing the property. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'We are calling on the government to step in and help homeowners, including those in the Scotland area, who might find themselves in a position where they are stuck and unable to sell, are unable to access equity release products, are faced with hefty remediation bills for removal or are being targeted by unscrupulous spray foam removal firms. Sarah Garry, Chief Executive at the PCA 'Many of these homeowners are elderly and vulnerable and the reality is that the situation is getting worse, not better.' The PCA helped author the Sprayed Foam Protocol alongside mortgage lenders and equity release companies and last year launched a register of surveyors, giving residents and lenders assurance that surveyors are adequately trained. Earlier this year, the PCA, alongside a group of industry stakeholders, also published a guide for consumers who already have spray foam installed in their property, setting out concerns and signposting to advice. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Of the 21 companies included on the register of spray foam surveyors, 15 shared findings based on more than 500 property inspections carried out since the register was introduced in January 2024. In the UK around 250,000 homes have spray foam insulation which, if incorrectly installed, can lead to condensation build-up, potentially causing timber rot or decay, mould and mildew growth or rust and corrosion to metal components. Previously, the HomeOwners Alliance issued a warning to homeowners to avoid installing spray foam for the time being. Chief Executive of the HomeOwners Alliance, Paula Higgins said: 'The current position is unfair to homeowners who have taken reasonable steps, and in many cases were encouraged by government grants, to install the product. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'At the moment it's not known how many of the properties referred to in the survey had spray foam installed with support of government grants. 'We will support the PCA and Trustmark to identify these properties and continue to press government for recourse to be available to them. 'In the meantime, our concern is that people are being targeted by cold callers offering to remove spray foam insulation. 'It is likely that they have acquired details illegally and we urge householders not to engage with them and report the situation to their local trading standards office with concerns.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Sarah Garry added: 'We continue to ask the government to bring together a roundtable of specialist property experts, lenders and equity release companies, to agree whether spray foam should continue to be included within government grants and to agree a process to allow the sale of property with retrofitted spray foam.'
Scotsman
19-05-2025
- General
- Scotsman
Call for action as survey reveals 35% of homes with spray foam have defect
Homeowners in Edinburgh are being urged to be vigilant to issues surrounding spray foam insulation. From gorgeous Georgian town houses to jaw-dropping penthouses, converted campervans to bargain boltholes. Take a peek at the finest homes across the UK. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The move comes as a national survey conducted by national trade body the Property Care Association (PCA) has found that 35% of homes fitted with spray foam insulation had one or more defects as a result. In 27% of cases, this included recommendations to replace the insulation in the roof or replace the roof altogether. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The problems and costs involved are so significant that PCA has joined with the HomeOwners Alliance to reiterate calls for action from the government in a second letter to Miatta Fahnbulleh MP, Minister for Energy Consumers and Rushanara Ali MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government). Chief Executive of the HomeOwners Alliance, Paula Higgins Sarah Garry is Chief Executive at the PCA. She said: 'Our survey of spray foam surveyors is, as far as we know, the only type of independent questioning on this topic to have happened in the UK to date. 'The results show that surveyors identified one or more divergence from the Sprayed Foam Inspection Protocol in 79% of properties and that surveyors identified one or more defect in 35% of properties as a result of spray foam. 'In 27% of cases, surveyors recommended major works, either replacing the insulation or re-roofing the property. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'We are calling on the government to step in and help homeowners, including those in the Edinburgh area, who might find themselves in a position where they are stuck and unable to sell, are unable to access equity release products, are faced with hefty remediation bills for removal or are being targeted by unscrupulous spray foam removal firms. Sarah Garry is Chief Executive at the PCA 'Many of these homeowners are elderly and vulnerable and the reality is that the situation is getting worse, not better.' The PCA helped author the Sprayed Foam Protocol alongside mortgage lenders and equity release companies and last year launched a register of surveyors, giving residents and lenders assurance that surveyors are adequately trained. Earlier this year, the PCA, alongside a group of industry stakeholders, also published a guide for consumers who already have spray foam installed in their property, setting out concerns and signposting to advice. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Of the 21 companies included on the register of spray foam surveyors, 15 shared findings based on more than 500 property inspections carried out since the register was introduced in January 2024. In the UK around 250,000 homes have spray foam insulation which, if incorrectly installed, can lead to condensation build-up, potentially causing timber rot or decay, mould and mildew growth or rust and corrosion to metal components. Previously, the HomeOwners Alliance issued a warning to homeowners to avoid installing spray foam for the time being. Chief Executive of the HomeOwners Alliance, Paula Higgins said: 'The current position is unfair to homeowners who have taken reasonable steps, and in many cases were encouraged by government grants, to install the product. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'At the moment it's not known how may of the properties referred to in the survey had spray foam installed with support of government grants. 'We will support the PCA and Trustmark to identify these properties and continue to press government for recourse to be available to them. 'In the meantime, our concern is that people are being targeted by cold callers offering to remove spray foam insulation. 'It is likely that they have acquired details illegally and we urge householders not to engage with them and report the situation to their local trading standards office with concerns.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Sarah Garry added: 'We continue to ask the government to bring together a roundtable of specialist property experts, lenders and equity release companies, to agree whether spray foam should continue to be included within government grants and to agree a process to allow the sale of property with retrofitted spray foam.' Property owners with spray foam can find more information and advice at: , jointly produced by the PCA, Residential Property Surveyors Association (RPSA), Insulation Manufacturers Association (IMA), Bangor University, Andy Wilson Financial Services and RPC.
The Independent
07-04-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Call for stronger duty on councils to provide housing to domestic abuse victims
Victims of domestic abuse are choosing not to leave dangerous situations because they are unable to get access to suitable housing, an MP said, as she called for the statutory duty on local authorities to be strengthened. Liberal Democrat MP Zoe Franklin said councils are not currently obligated to offer like-for-like housing, which can create 'significant barriers' for those fleeing abuse. This came as Labour MP Lee Barron told the Commons one of his constituents, who is a victim of domestic abuse, was forced to choose between a safe home and her children. Communities minister Rushanara Ali said the Government is prioritising tackling violence against women, and pointed to a £13 million uplift in funding. During housing, communities and local government questions, Ms Franklin, MP for Guildford, said: 'Victims of domestic violence urgently need safe, stable accommodation. 'However, currently councils have no obligation to offer like-for-like housing. 'Too often the duty is discharged by suggesting private rentals, which are frequently unaffordable or unsuitable for those on low incomes. 'This creates a significant barrier for many victims, and even places (them) in a situation where they choose not to leave because they can't have the housing that they need. 'Can the minister further explain how … she is taking steps to ensure victims are offered genuinely safe, appropriate, affordable housing and whether she will consider strengthening statutory duty on councils to better support those fleeing domestic abuse?' Communities minister Rushanara Ali replied: 'She will be aware that there is a massive housing shortage, there are challenges around supported housing. 'We need to make sure – as we are doing – that the victims of domestic violence get the support they need, which is why we provided the additional uplift of £13 million, totalling to a £160 million. 'And we are working across Government to tackle the root causes of violence against women, within which economic support, housing support is crucial, and I look forward to working with her and others on this important agenda.' Earlier in the session, Corby and East Northamptonshire MP Mr Barron said: ' One of my constituents is a victim of domestic abuse and on a 999 priority list. 'She was served a section 21 notice by her landlord, but was denied property band A housing by the council, this was because she signed a police protection order stating she was not at risk of domestic violence in order to keep custody of her children. 'This forced her to choose between her children and a safe home. What is (the minister) doing to ensure councils properly prioritise domestic abuse victims, so that no-one faces such an impossible choice?' Ms Ali said she was 'so sorry to hear about the difficulties' his constituent faced, adding: 'This is horrific, and he will be aware the Government is focused on tackling violence against women, working across departments … led by the Home Secretary and the Deputy Prime Minister. 'Local authorities are strongly encouraged through statutory guidance to give priority for social housing to victims of domestic abuse, and their families, particularly if they are homeless and require urgent rehousing. 'And we are also taking action to exempt victims of domestic abuse from local connections tests, where these apply, to ensure there are no barriers to victims accessing social housing.'
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Call for stronger duty on councils to provide housing to domestic abuse victims
Victims of domestic abuse are choosing not to leave dangerous situations because they are unable to get access to suitable housing, an MP said, as she called for the statutory duty on local authorities to be strengthened. Liberal Democrat MP Zoe Franklin said councils are not currently obligated to offer like-for-like housing, which can create 'significant barriers' for those fleeing abuse. This came as Labour MP Lee Barron told the Commons one of his constituents, who is a victim of domestic abuse, was forced to choose between a safe home and her children. Communities minister Rushanara Ali said the Government is prioritising tackling violence against women, and pointed to a £13 million uplift in funding. During housing, communities and local government questions, Ms Franklin, MP for Guildford, said: 'Victims of domestic violence urgently need safe, stable accommodation. 'However, currently councils have no obligation to offer like-for-like housing. 'Too often the duty is discharged by suggesting private rentals, which are frequently unaffordable or unsuitable for those on low incomes. 'This creates a significant barrier for many victims, and even places (them) in a situation where they choose not to leave because they can't have the housing that they need. 'Can the minister further explain how … she is taking steps to ensure victims are offered genuinely safe, appropriate, affordable housing and whether she will consider strengthening statutory duty on councils to better support those fleeing domestic abuse?' Communities minister Rushanara Ali replied: 'She will be aware that there is a massive housing shortage, there are challenges around supported housing. 'We need to make sure – as we are doing – that the victims of domestic violence get the support they need, which is why we provided the additional uplift of £13 million, totalling to a £160 million. 'And we are working across Government to tackle the root causes of violence against women, within which economic support, housing support is crucial, and I look forward to working with her and others on this important agenda.' Earlier in the session, Corby and East Northamptonshire MP Mr Barron said: 'One of my constituents is a victim of domestic abuse and on a 999 priority list. 'She was served a section 21 notice by her landlord, but was denied property band A housing by the council, this was because she signed a police protection order stating she was not at risk of domestic violence in order to keep custody of her children. 'This forced her to choose between her children and a safe home. What is (the minister) doing to ensure councils properly prioritise domestic abuse victims, so that no-one faces such an impossible choice?' Ms Ali said she was 'so sorry to hear about the difficulties' his constituent faced, adding: 'This is horrific, and he will be aware the Government is focused on tackling violence against women, working across departments … led by the Home Secretary and the Deputy Prime Minister. 'Local authorities are strongly encouraged through statutory guidance to give priority for social housing to victims of domestic abuse, and their families, particularly if they are homeless and require urgent rehousing. 'And we are also taking action to exempt victims of domestic abuse from local connections tests, where these apply, to ensure there are no barriers to victims accessing social housing.'
