Stop local authorities from gatekeeping those who are homeless or are at risk of homelessness

Gatekeeping is an important issues as it is stopping people from accessing housing when it is a basic human right. Though there is housing for those who come under 'priority needs', many local councils do not help those who, to others, are classed as priority need. Local councils are turning away homeless people away when they need help for no reason- it is ILLEGAL! There was a recent breakthrough in 2015 with the London Southwark Council who admitted to turning away people who needed housing when their council policy was to find a person a rented house or room until they could find them something more permanent (Fearn, 2015). The Southwark Council turned away victims who were refugees, a care leaver, a blind woman and many more. It was hoped that after the High Court ordered the Southwark Council to stop their illegal activity towards homelessness that other local authorities would follow (Luit-Drummond, 2015). However, gatekeeping is still in practice across the UK and people are being turned away when they are at risk or already homeless. Having a home is a basic human right. Why should a local council be able to decide for a person if they do or do not deserve a home? THIS HAS TO STOP.