Homelessness – Parliamentary Written Answer

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what proportion of homeless people were (a) men and (b) women in the latest period for which figures are available.

Mr Marcus Jones: In April to June 2016, of 15,170 households accepted as homeless in England, 8,410 were female one person or lone parent households, 2,410 were male one person or lone parent households, and the remaining 4,350 were couples or other household types. Of the 73,120 households in temporary accommodation in England at 30 June 2016, 38,220 were female one person or lone parent households, 10,050 were male one person or lone parent households, and the remaining 24,850 were couples or other household types. CHAIN data for London shows that during 2015/16, 15% of people seen sleeping rough were female. 

The Introduction of Universal Credit to Couples

Universal Credit was expanded to take new claims from some couples in five of the new live running sites (Inverness, Rugby, Bath, Hammersmith and Harrogate) on the 7 July 2014. The DWP intends to expand the areas taking claims from couples to every live running site later in the summer. The NHF have issued a briefing which covers:

·         Eligibility rules

·         Challenges the DWP will face

·         Our recommendations for ensuring a smooth roll out

·         The main impacts on housing associations and their tenants.

·         The introduction of Universal Credit to couples

Download the briefing from the NHF website.