Southwark Council spent an extra £750,000 to uphold new obligations as part of Homelessness Reduction Act, as local authorities across the country struggle with new requirements.

Southwark Council piloted the new act from October 2016, and was given a £1 million grant to trial the policy, but had to spend a further £750,000 from its own budget to meet obligations, a spokeswoman said.

The new obligations extend the time frame in which a local authority has to act upon concerns a resident might become homeless from 28 days up to 56 days and give “meaningful support” to all, regardless of “priority need.”

The council spokeswoman said: “Southwark have been working to the spirit of the Homelessness Reduction Act since October 2016 and we continue to work hard to prevent homelessness in the borough.”

But youth homelessness charity Centrepoint questioned how councils would cope with the act, which was implemented across the country from April 3.

The research found 57 per cent of local authorities are struggling to fulfil new obligations to 16 to 24-year-olds alone, with factors like the housing market and the welfare system beyond a local authority’s control.

“Local Housing Allowance restrictions in particular were cited by almost all authorities as limiting the support they can give young people to access a tenancy. Unless these issues are also addressed, there is concern that the potential positive impact of the Homelessness Reduction Act will not be fulfilled,” research from the charity read.

A Southwark Council spokeswoman said they were committed to meeting the new obligations, despite costs.

“We do not know the ongoing costs the service will require in the future but remain committed to continuing our prevention work whilst making sure that we meet the needs of our most vulnerable residents,” she said.