Homelessness crisis set to worsen as think tank urges government action

A think tank has called on the government to fund a national homelessness programme as figures continue to rise.

A report by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) reveals homelessness across England is on course to increase by 25% by the end of the decade without government action.

The think tank is also urging councils to bring long-term empty homes back into use to tackle the homelessness crisis.

National housing first philosophy

Dr Maya Singer Hobbs, author and senior research fellow at IPPR, says: “People going through what might be the toughest time of their lives need stability and support, and that starts by having a place to call home.

“Housing-led approaches are about making sure that people can get the support they need, while also having a permanent roof over their heads and certainty over where they will live.

“We know these approaches work. We just need the government to help support councils and mayors to put them into practice.”

The think tank urges the government housing-led approach with Andy Burnham’s “national housing first philosophy” must be used to tackle the housing crisis.

The think tank is calling for a housing-led approach, including the adoption of Andy Burnham’s “national housing first philosophy”, to help tackle the housing crisis.

As Mayor of Greater Manchester, Mr Burnham introduced the “A Bed Every Night” programme, which provides support for people sleeping rough, including meals and access to support services.

IPPR is also urging mayors to use their strategic planning powers and further devolution to set ambitious targets for social housing and introduce programmes to bring long-term empty homes back into use. It says this would allow councils to rapidly increase social housing supply and reduce reliance on costly temporary accommodation.

The think tank is also calling on the next government to end the Right to Buy scheme.

Reaction to report

Crisis chief executive Matt Downie said: “For too long we’ve spent billions of pounds managing homelessness when we should be focused on ending it. This prolongs the problem and creates misery in return. It’s left record numbers of households across England stuck in temporary accommodation because private rents are unaffordable and there’s a chronic shortage of social homes.

“But it doesn’t have to be like this. By adopting a Housing First philosophy we can fundamentally change the political diagnosis and prescription for homelessness. Prioritising secure, affordable homes is a simple yet highly effective way to end homelessness, and it’s been shown to work in other countries such as Finland and here in the UK in Greater Manchester.

“There is a huge opportunity for a new Prime Minister to show at national level the art of the possible. Concerted political action to tackle the housing crisis can bring hope back to communities and ensure that everyone has the essential foundation of a safe, affordable home.”