Want To Reduce Homelessness?

The Homelessness Reduction Bill heralds a renewed emphasis on prevention: government statistics show that in the last year alone, 59,260 households were accepted as homeless by their local council. That’s a rise of 22% over the last 5 years. And behind these statistics are thousands of families trying to raise children, living through the indignity and worry of being unable to house themselves. When the new legislation is implemented, councils will be legally required to try to prevent homelessness, rather than pick up the pieces. But why is homelessness rising year on year and what can we do about it? It’s rising because of short-term rentals.  Eviction from a private tenancy accounts for 78% of the rise in homelessness since 2011. Read more on the Shelter blog.