Homelessness in England on the rise

Statistics released today revealed that the number of households in accommodation but registered as homeless has risen by nearly 6,000 in the first quarter of this year.

According to government figures, the number of households in accommodation arranged by local authorities under homelessness legislation at the end of March 2003 was 90,680 – some 5,750, or 7% higher than at the end of the previous quarter and 10,150, or 13%, more than recorded at the end of March 2002.

Most of these households are living in self-contained properties leased or rented in the private sector, or in council or housing association stock let on a temporary basis. But a significant proportion – nearly one in seven – are living in B&B hotels.

Lord Rooker, the Minister with responsibility for homelessness, has called on local authorities to take up the policies of councils who are successfully using preventative schemes to combat the rising tide of homelessness.

He said: "I am urging all local authorities to ensure that the approaches that have worked so well in tackling rough sleeping and reducing inappropriate use of B&B hotels are carried forward in their new homelessness strategies.

"Homelessness is a manifestation of social exclusion. That's why prevention is absolutely key to the whole approach on homelessness.

"Beacon local authorities are providing a lead for others with creative and innovative solutions to homelessness, based on a clear understanding of the causes of homelessness and the identification of early interventions to avoid crises. I want to see other authorities following their example so that, across the country, there is help for vulnerable people that matches the standards of the best."

The government has committed itself to helping local authorities ensure that by March 2004 no homeless families with children will be in B&B other than in an emergency, and even then for no more than 6 weeks.

This quarter there was a 16% reduction in the number of homeless families living in B&Bs over the past three months.

The Homelessness Directorate has invested over £100 million in 2002/03 to support local authorities and voluntary organisations in their strategies and action to meet the government's B&B and rough sleeping targets, and the development of local authorities' homelessness strategies.

All local authorities should have completed their homelessness reviews and have homelessness strategies in place by July 30.

(GMcG)