Scale of Youth Homelessness 'Going Unrecorded'

More than three times as many homeless young people a year are estimated to be relying on charities and councils for a roof over their heads across the UK than officially recorded by the government, according to new research commissioned by the youth homelessness charity Centrepoint. An estimated 83,000 homeless 16-24 year-olds relied on the support of councils and charities in the UK in 2013-14 compared to just 26,852 recorded by statutory homelessness figures compiled by the CLG and authorities. Hostels were found to be almost always full or over-subscribed, with around 35,000 young people in homeless accommodation at any one time across the UK. The government’s official homelessness statistics only record the number of homeless young people local authorities have a statutory duty to house –  those in ‘priority need’ such as young parents, under-18s or care leavers. Read more on the Centrepoint website.

Homelessness – Parliamentary Written Answer

Stuart Andrew: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, if he will carry out a review of the adequacy of statutory assistance given to single homeless people.

Kris Hopkins: We have no current plans to change or review the homelessness legislation. England has one of the strongest safety nets in the world and local authorities are required to secure accommodation for any eligible person who finds themselves homeless through no fault of their own and who is in priority need. In 2013-14 23% of all those accepted by local authorities as owed the main homelessness duty were single homeless people. Local authorities are also under a duty to provide free advice and information about homelessness and preventing homelessness to anyone in their district seeking help. Read more on the Parliament website.