Yesterday the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government released the annual Statutory Homelessness statistics for 2023/24.
The rising numbers of individuals and families facing homelessness are deeply troubling to see and the growing demand on homelessness services is unsustainable. Local authorities are buckling under the pressure, with many on the brink of financial collapse due to the escalating costs of temporary accommodation across the UK.
We must begin to address the root causes of homelessness. Expanding the availability of social housing and following through on commitments to reform private renting through the Renters’ Rights Bill could provide long-term solutions.
However, with critical homelessness funding set to expire in March 2025, urgent financial commitments in the upcoming Autumn Budget are vital to keep services running.
We are deeply concerned that if this funding isn’t extended, we will be forced to scale back or even lose vital services. These services provide essential, life-saving support to some of the most vulnerable people in our community. Without this funding, those at risk of homelessness will have even fewer places to turn.
A stable and properly resourced system focused on prevention, housing availability, and effective support must be prioritised if we are to tackle homelessness for good.
