The MP for Harrow East is “delighted” his Private Member’s Bill on homeless reduction will now become law.

Bob Blackman’s Homelessness Reduction Act was passed by Parliament on March 23, after receiving no objection by Peers.

It was the first major change to homelessness legislation in nearly 40 years and went on to receive Royal Assent on Thursday April 27.

Mr Blackman says he feels ”humbled” that his bill will now be an unlikely success story as since 1997, only 24 per cent (87) of the hundreds of ballot bills put to Parliament have ever gained Royal Assent, compared to 90 per cent of all Government bills

He said: “I am humbled by the groundswell of support I received from all sides of the House, and from the charity, local government and landlord sectors who helped make it a reality.

“More importantly, I now look forward to seeing it put into action across the country to help people who have become, or are threatened with being, homeless through no fault of their own.

“I served in local government for 24 years before becoming an MP and I have seen at first hand the devastation that can be caused by homelessness. There is no doubt that this will be a challenge for many councils, but it is a vital one.

“Over time I fully believe this legislation will not only prevent people from losing their home in the first place, and suffering an awful spiral into crisis as a result, it will change the culture within councils and redirect resources far more efficiently, away from expensive short term fixes towards proper prevention work before homelessness has even occurred.”

His bill has received the support of national homelessness charities including Crisis, Shelter and St Mungo’s, landlord bodies including the National Landlords Association and Residential Landlords Association, as well as the backing from the Government.

It is also the first Private Member’s Bill ever to receive the backing of a Select Committee, when the Communities and Local Government Select Committee provided pre-legislative scrutiny and also produced a report to inform its drafting, ensuring that the measures proposed would be workable and effective.

Mr Blackman will be seeking re-election to the Harrow East seat in the forthcoming General Election on June 8.