ROOF Blog

The Electoral Commission is reminding people living in temporary accommodation that they don’t need a permanent address to have a say at the next general election. The independent elections watchdog has produced a poster encouraging residents in shelters, hostels and bed and breakfasts to discuss how to register to vote with their accommodation managers. The project is being supported by Homeless Link, whose chief executive Jenny Edwards commented: ‘Homeless Link believes it is crucial that those who are experiencing homelessness use their political voice to influence the environment in which they live and the services they use. We welcome the recognition of the importance of homeless people’s votes and are working to increase awareness of voter registration procedures.’

A controversial scheme to house bailed and tagged offenders in residential areas may be expanded, justice minister David Hanson has suggested. The bail hostels, which are unsupervised and without formal planning approval, are opposed by residents, but Mr Hanson says the scheme has been a success in reducing prison numbers. However, his comments came as talks began over whether to close a London bail hostel due to violence and antisocial behaviour.

A leaked memo has revealed that government ministers have signed a deal with a private company to build 200 bail hostels, but local residents and councillors will not be consulted on their location. The memo advises local authorities that councillors and residents will not be notified of the plans until they have been approved, and if they do find out about them, the councils will have no right to object to the hostels unless they breach housing or planning rules. The hostels are to house bailed offenders, those released on home curfew with electronic tags, and alleged offenders awaiting trial.