Almost 300,000 families are currently facing severe homelessness, as highlighted in a recent report focusing on the escalating crisis. The charity Crisis reveals that this dire situation includes individuals compelled to seek refuge on the streets or reside in inadequate temporary lodging like nightly-paid B&Bs and hostels.
The report discloses that in 2024, a staggering 299,100 households in England grappled with acute homelessness, marking a 21% surge from 2022 and a significant 45% increase from 2012 when the figure stood at 206,400. According to the charity’s report, these escalations stem from inflation constraining real incomes, a rise in poverty and destitution, escalating private rents alongside evictions, and a decline in social rented accommodations. Without prompt intervention, Crisis warns that this figure could soar to an alarming 360,000 by 2041.
The state of the nation report, initiated by Crisis and conducted by Heriot-Watt University, also reveals that 70% of councils have witnessed a rise in residents seeking aid for homelessness. Notably, London and northern English town halls have experienced the most significant increases.
Ahead of Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s Budget presentation on November 26, Crisis advocates for the restoration of housing benefits to align with private rent rates. Matt Downie, Chief Executive at Crisis, underscores the urgency of the situation, stating that no one should endure unsafe living conditions, whether it involves children in substandard B&Bs or individuals forced to sleep rough on the streets or in makeshift shelters.
Downie emphasizes the government’s commitment to fulfilling the manifesto pledge aimed at eradicating homelessness. He stresses the importance of preventing homelessness by bridging gaps in support services to ensure individuals transitioning from institutions such as prisons and hospitals have stable housing arrangements.
As winter approaches and pressure mounts on local councils, the call for immediate action to address the housing crisis grows louder. A government spokesperson underscored the importance of providing a secure home for all individuals. The government is investing over £1 billion in homelessness services, launching a comprehensive cross-government homelessness strategy, and allocating a record £39 billion towards affordable and social housing. Furthermore, efforts are underway to tackle the root causes of homelessness by enhancing support systems for at-risk populations, abolishing ‘no-fault’ evictions under Section 21, and expanding access to safe accommodations.
