Housing for the homeless and immigration control: The provisions of the Housing Act 1996 and the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996

Abstract

This article examines the inter-relationship between provisions for the homeless and immigration controls. It considers the significance of the changes introduced by the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996 and the Housing Act 1996. Material is drawn from a review of the legislation together with leading cases decided by the courts, and from discussions about implementation with eight housing authorities in the Northwest and two in London.

Key Words:

• homeless
• immigration
• housing authority
• discretion
• discrimination