Almost 300,000 families are currently facing severe homelessness, as outlined in a recent report highlighting the escalating crisis. Charity Crisis has identified individuals compelled to resort to sleeping rough on the streets or residing in inadequate temporary accommodations like nightly-paid B&Bs and hostels.
The report reveals that in 2024, 299,100 households in England were grappling with acute homelessness, marking a 21% surge from 2022 and a significant 45% surge from 2012 when the figure stood at 206,400. According to the charity’s report, these spikes are attributed to real incomes being squeezed by inflation, a rise in poverty and destitution, escalating private rents coupled with evictions, and a decline in social rented lettings. Without prompt intervention, the charity cautions that this figure could soar to an alarming 360,000 by 2041.
A comprehensive national study, instigated by Crisis and spearheaded by Heriot-Watt University, found that 70% of councils have observed a rise in the number of residents seeking homelessness assistance. Notably, London and local authorities in northern England have noted the most substantial increases.
In anticipation of Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s upcoming Budget on November 26, Crisis is advocating for the restoration of housing benefits to align with private rents. Matt Downie, Chief Executive at Crisis, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that no individual should be compelled to dwell in hazardous conditions, be it children enduring substandard B&Bs or individuals resorting to sleeping on the streets, in tents, or squats.
Downie urged government officials to fulfill their commitment to combat homelessness effectively. He stressed the need to address deficiencies in support services to prevent individuals from being left homeless after exiting institutions such as prisons and hospitals. With winter approaching and mounting pressure on local councils, Westminster is urged to seize the moment to rectify the most critical aspects of the housing crisis.
A government spokesperson underscored the importance of ensuring everyone has a secure place to call home. To that end, 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. Efforts are also underway to tackle the root causes of homelessness by collaborating across government to provide support for those most at risk, abolishing Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions, and expanding access to safe accommodations.