Housing Minister Yvette Cooper announced that new cases of homelessness have fallen to levels not seen since the early 1980s.
National Statistics released show that just under 19,500 new households became homeless during April to June 2006. This is nearly 30% lower than the same time last year - the largest such percentage reduction ever recorded - and continues the downward trend seen since the beginning of 2004.
The figures also show a continued reduction of households in temporary accommodation (93,910) - down 7% compared to the same time last year.
Yvette Cooper also announced that the target to reduce rough sleeping numbers by two thirds is being sustained. These latest statistics show that there are around 500 rough sleepers in England on any given night.
The Government also launched a policy brief, which summarises the second quarter 2006 homelessness statistics and introduces Preventing Homelessness: A Strategy Health Check. This is a self-assessment toolkit to help local authorities review their homelessness strategy and establish how effective their services are in tackling and preventing homelessness.
A small but significant number of Eastern Europeans (otherwise known as A8 nationals) are turning to London's homelessness services for help, according to new research published by Homeless Link.
Migration from the new EU countries has contributed an estimated £240 million to the economy in the first eight months alone since May 2004. The vast majority of those who have come to the UK have found work, accommodation and a place in the community. As the study reveals, however, some have found themselves homeless and destitute.
Surveying day centres, night shelters and outreach teams in London over a one-week period, the study revealed that one in seven of people accessing their services are A8 nationals. The majority of these can and want to work, and only need short-term help to get a job and a place to live, as well as language support.
Although homelessness agencies are responding to these needs with the limited resources at their disposal, they do not believe that their services are appropriate for this group, and they want to prevent A8 nationals from getting caught in the cycle of homelessness.
Jenny Edwards, Homeless Link's Chief Executive, said: "The people who are turning to homelessness services for assistance are clearly at risk, and our members are finding ways to support them. But homelessness charities are not equipped to meet the needs of Eastern European nationals seeking work and advice about the UK system. We are calling for co-ordinated action by Government to make sure that this new and emerging problem does not put at risk the very significant progress that has been made in tackling rough sleeping."
A new report by the Howard League for Penal Reform reveals that local authorities are systematically failing to provide suitable accommodation and support for vulnerable children leaving custody, in breach of their statutory duties, and putting the public in danger of further crime.
Lawyers at the Howard League for Penal Reform have represented over 100 children in custody. Almost all the children had suffered abuse and neglect; many had a history of being in care or had been homeless.
The Howard League for Penal Reform legal team found that local authorities across the country are flouting a whole range of legislation designed to ensure that children do not leave custody bereft of support. Many children are returning to precisely the same situation that led to their imprisonment in the first place.
Chris Callender, assistant director and solicitor at the Howard League for Penal Reform, said: "Many of the children we have represented are vulnerable and challenging. Some have committed serious offences. Not only do these children have a right to be cared for properly, but if they are not, they will continue to wreak mayhem in their communities and put themselves at risk. They absolutely must be given appropriate support for their sake and for the sake of all of us."
