Judge rules against LA's homeless exports policy

Seven families had taken Newham to the High Court claiming it had breached its duty to find suitable accommodation by exporting them to coastal bed and breakfasts (Housing Today, 25 November).

Justice Dyson found in their favour and ruled that the Newham's policy for providing "last resort" emergency accommodation was "too rigid and too narrow".

Chartered Institute of Housing policy manager David Fotheringham said other councils which exported homeless people would have to make sure that their policies were not inflexible. He warned: "It is about not only looking at people's housing needs but judging it in the context of their social and community needs.

"We would advise our members to take account of the Newham judgment and to make sure that their policies are flexible enough to reflect individual circumstances."

But he added that a blanket approach on exporting homeless families could not be applied.

He said: "The ruling is more in keeping with legislation and code of guidance for homeless people which emphasises that individual cases are looked at on their own circumstances."

A Local Government Association spokeswoman said: "It is difficult to see that without more accommodation being built or made available how this problem this can be resolved in the longer term."

Newham is seeking leave to appeal against the judgment and to arrange a meeting with housing minister Nick Raynsford to discuss a solution to the problem. Councillor Andrew Baikie, a cabinet member for housing said Newham was very disappointed. "Homelessness is not the sole responsibility of any one borough," he said. "It is a national responsibility and should be resolved nationally."