How do we solve homelessness?
- truthaboutlocalgov
- May 1
- 4 min read
Updated: May 7
There is no doubt that homelessness is one of the most pressing challenges that local government is trying to tackle and deal with. Not just because of the budgetary pressure, but also because of the human impact that it has on those in the community that need support and the negative secondary affects that homelessness has on the community, such as crime and a lack of engagement in education.
In terms of addressing homelessness, there is the need to look at this in the proactive addressing the route causes of homelessness, so that as few as people end up homelessness as possible. Then, we need to look in a reactive manner at how we deal with the high number of homelessness that currently exist. This double pronged approach needs to be applied and indeed in the current financial situation it is challenging to say the least as to how you find the funds for this. The good news is that homelessness is solvable. We know that we can end homelessness for good with more homes, fairer policies, and the right support.
What is the current situation?
As of the end of 2024, 127,890 households were living in temporary accommodation, including 165,510 children.
This represents a 13.6% increase compared to the same period the previous year.
The number of households contacting local authorities for support due to homelessness or the threat of homelessness reached 358,370 in the financial year 2023-24.
The most common length of time families with children spend in temporary accommodation is over five years.
Dr Laura Neilson, the Chief Executive of Shared Health Foundation – a charity supporting families in temporary accommodation – said: “
It should be shameful that more than 159,000 children will be living in temporary accommodation. It should be a national conversation, an embarrassment the government tackles head on with urgency. Yet it remains a fringe conversation.
Despite these challenges, there have been some positive changes:
The number of families in unsuitable B&B accommodation beyond the statutory 6-week limit has been falling for the past three quarters.
The number of households accepting an offer of settled accommodation has risen by 20.3% compared to the previous year.
Immediate actions that can be taken to reduce the numbers of homeless?
Construct more affordable housing
We cannot eradicate homelessness without providing homes. Currently, over 100,000 households in England are residing in temporary accommodation. Many others struggle to secure a permanent residence due to escalating rents and a lack of social housing.
When housing is limited and costly, it becomes increasingly difficult for individuals to maintain their current home or find a new one.
Research indicatess that the government must invest in constructing 90,000 new social homes annually for the next 15 years to address existing needs. In addition to building new homes, we must also optimise the use of current properties.
There are over 250,000 homes lying vacant in England. With targeted support and funding, these empty properties could be transformed into safe, stable homes once more.
Establish stronger safety nets
Our current support systems are failing those most in need. Cuts to services and increasing pressure on local authorities have made it harder for people to access the right support.
We need to create a system where no one faces homelessness alone. This begins with welfare reform and ensuring benefit levels reflect the actual costs of living. We must also implement robust protections for tenants by stopping unfair evictions and providing support for those most at risk. While it is encouraging that the government is introducing greater protection from eviction for tenants, we need to see more support provided to help people keep their homes.
Services to support people dealing with poor mental health, addiction, and domestic violence must also be well-funded and accessible to everyone who needs them.
Revamp the system for the long-term
The UK's current homelessness legislation is inadequate and often excludes those who need its support the most. It requires an urgent, expert review to ensure that everyone facing homelessness receives the necessary assistance.
We must also invest in more long-term solutions to homelessness, such as Housing First and the Critical Time Intervention model.
The Housing First approach prioritises providing individuals with complex needs a home of their own. This enables them to receive support in a stable environment, without having to go through a hostel system first. It is the most effective method we have for addressing entrenched rough sleeping.
The Critical Time Intervention model aims to support individuals at risk of homelessness during key transitional periods, such as when leaving prison, care, hospital, or asylum accommodation. It works by offering permanent housing and focused support to help them settle into their new homes and access relevant services.
Prevent homelessness before it begins
Prevention is always better than cure, but this requires a shift in how we view support. We must start prioritising proactive measures over reactive ones.
Early interventions, such as family mediation, financial support, and targeted assistance for those most at risk, can prevent homelessness before it starts. Constructing more affordable homes and investing in long-term solutions to homelessness will ensure everyone has a safe, permanent place to call home.
Prevention is not only better than cure, but it is also more humane and cost-effective. By addressing the root causes of homelessness early, we can ensure that everyone has the opportunity to live in a safe and stable home.
By focusing on prevention, we can break the cycle of homelessness.
For a more detailed overview, check out the Crisis, Everybody In - How to end homelessness in Great Britain.
In conclusion, homelessness is a challenge that can be overcome if we implement the right strategies. By focusing on prevention, constructing more affordable homes, establishing stronger safety nets, and revamping our support systems for the long-term, we can ensure that everyone has access to a safe and stable home. With targeted efforts and a commitment to proactive measures, we can break the cycle of homelessness and create a society where no one is left without a place to call home.
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