Posted 16.12.15
Research just published shows that up to 44% of young people in homelessness services could be affected by the proposal to remove the automatic entitlement to housing costs for 18-21 year-olds. Homeless Link warns that this policy will leave thousands of vulnerable young people with nowhere to turn for help.
Housing Benefit provides a safety net to young people, without which they would not be able to access accommodation. For those at a point of crisis, removal of housing support could also push vital homelessness services out of reach.
Young and Homeless 2015, a survey of homelessness service providers and local authority housing departments, indicates that the problem is compounded by wider welfare reforms and lack of affordable and shared housing:
The report identifies signs that lack of resources is making this difficult. Four in ten (42%) local authorities reported not having an adequate range of tools to prevent youth homelessness, and just 23% of young people who approached their council for help had their homelessness prevented or relieved.
43% of local authorities said they lack youth specific accommodation, and 39% reported that supported housing had been reduced, cut or isn't available in their area.
Relationship breakdown with parents or care-givers or willingness to accommodate remains the most common cause of youth homelessness, accounting for nearly half (47%) of all cases.
Local authorities reported family mediation as one of the most effective means of preventing youth homelessness, yet the proportion offering this service has dropped from 77% in 2014 to 70% in 2015.
The report calls for:
To access the full report click here.
