Can homeless people leave tier 4

[Thehouseofmarvels]

My friend has been staying in a hotel after homelessness following relationship breakdown. In tier 4. They have managed to put a holding deposit on a flat but need rent and deposit and are rapidly going though savings. They can move in to flat early January. If they stay in hotels all over Christmas they will loose the flat as won't have enough money for rent in advance and deposit. Their friend is staying elsewhere for Christmas and said 'stay at my place for free until you move into the flat'. However the location is outside tier 4. The location of the new flat is also outside of tier 4. If this person tries to leave Tier 4 would they get arrested ? Would they be fined and told to find a hotel or sleep rough by the police ? End up in court? My friend is panicking, wants to leave today or tomorrow but thinks they can't ?

The movement restrictions in the regulations do not apply to homeless people.

You can move house during Tier 4 - your homeless friend moving from a hotel to a more affordable residence would fall under that, so she won't be arrested.

I'll be astounded if the police have got time to stop everyone on the streets to ask them what they are doing.

This has such far reaching implications for them that I would absolutely do it regardless.

You are allowed to move house even if you are in tier 4.