Homeless 'pushed out by housing market'

The number of accommodation projects in England for single homeless people dropped in 2013 by 3% to 1,271 compared to 2012. Since 2010 the overall number has fallen by 13%. In its annual review of the sector, umbrella body Homeless Linksurveyed 9 homeless agencies. It found that the housing shortage is making it harder for people to escape homelessness.

Support for Single Homeless People in England tracks trends in the support services available to homeless people and found a number of key changes taking place in 2013.

Agencies report changes to benefits conditionality and the sanctions regime, Local Welfare Assistance, the Shared Accommodation rate and Local Housing Allowance all having a substantial impact.

In 2013 there were 38,534 bed spaces for single homeless people in England, 1,104 fewer than last year, a decrease of 3%.

On average 32% of people are ready to move on from hostels and supported accommodation but are unable to and pressures on the housing market and limited supply of rental properties were cited as the main barrier, affecting two-thirds (66%) of projects.

Rick Henderson, Chief Executive of Homeless Link, said:

“It is encouraging that despite several years of falling funding, homeless charities have continued to meet the high demand for help. However, the housing crisis is putting this good work at risk.

“Many individuals are simply ending up stuck in services, unable to find a home of their own because they can’t rent or no one will rent to them.

“Charities are committed to working with Government, councils and landlords to tackle an issue which is not good for individuals and it a waste of taxpayers’ money.”

Funding also remains a major concern for homeless charities. In 2013, 38% of accommodation projects saw their funding fall, while 8% saw an increase in funding. For day centres, nearly a third (31%) reported an increase in their funding this year, and a quarter (26%) reported a decrease.