Homelessness rises by 10 per cent

Government figures show that 15,170 households were accepted as homeless between April and June of 2016, a rise of 3% on the previous quarter and a 10% rise on the same quarter last year.

The ending of a private tenancy remained the leading cause of homelessness at 32% of acceptances (41% in London), while the total number of households in temporary accommodating reached 73,120 - an increase of 9% compared to last year. 

At the same time, 5,070 households were found to be homeless but not eligible for help - a 10% rise on the same quarter of 2015.

Responding, Crisis Chief Executive, Jon Sparkes said:“Homelessness has risen yet again, this time by an appalling 10 per cent, with a total of 15,170 households accepted as homeless between April and June of this year. That’s the equivalent of 168 households hitting crisis point every single day, and the numbers are growing with every month that passes. 

“It isn’t enough to help people at crisis point. We need to prevent them from losing their home in the first place. While we’ve seen a welcome 4% rise in the number of households prevented from becoming homeless, we need much more of this type of action. At the same time, we’ve seen a shocking 10% rise in the number of homeless households who aren’t eligible for help. Something must be done. 

“We need a change in the law to prevent more people from losing their home and to make sure all homeless people can get the help they need, while councils need the funding to make this work. Prevention has already been shown to work in Wales, where it has dramatically reduced the need for people to be re-housed. 

“That’s why we’re calling on MPs from across the political spectrum to support Bob Blackman’s Homelessness Reduction Bill (see notes) at its second reading on October 28, and we hope that as many supporters as possible can join us at our mass lobby of parliament on October 19. We must seize this historic opportunity.”