It is crucial that we address the recent implication by the home secretary that homelessness is a lifestyle choice. The proposed legislation to criminalise homelessness in tents and restrict charities from providing assistance is a misguided approach to a complex issue.
The root cause of homelessness can be attributed to the failure of government policies. The severe shortage of social rent homes has made it increasingly challenging for individuals to escape homelessness. Government inaction in investing in genuinely affordable social homes, combined with policies like Right to Buy, has led to a net loss of over 14,000 social rent homes. Consequently, people are compelled to turn to private renting, yet the frozen housing benefit fails to cover the rising private rents. This has effectively blocked the two primary paths out of homelessness.
Despite the government’s pledge to end rough sleeping by December 2024, the reality is starkly different. Rough sleeping has seen a significant increase, with over 3,000 people sleeping rough on the streets of England last autumn, representing a 26% rise in just one year. The assertion that many of those sleeping rough are from abroad is misleading, as statistics reveal that the majority (64%) are British nationals. Furthermore, the absence of “priority need” rights to emergency accommodation further compounds the predicament for many individuals.
The visible manifestation of homelessness, rough sleeping, is merely the tip of the iceberg. The substantial extent of hidden homelessness encompasses those who are too apprehensive to seek shelter on the streets and families stuck in temporary accommodation. Presently, there are record numbers of children (over 130,000) who are homeless with their families, enduring detrimental living conditions. The trauma and impact on their well-being cannot be overstated.
In response to this burgeoning crisis, prompt action is imperative. Unfreezing housing benefit to cover the bottom 30% of local rents would constitute a pivotal step in addressing the issue. Additionally, investment in a new generation of genuinely affordable and permanent social rent homes is paramount. Specialized and supported homes for individuals with health problems and disabilities due to homelessness must also be prioritized.
It is vital that we unite to tackle the urgent issue of homelessness. By advocating for genuine solutions and supporting those affected, we can hold the government accountable for its promises and provide crucial assistance to the thousands of individuals and families currently experiencing homelessness. Let us strive towards a future where the plight of homelessness is truly eradicated.