Youth homelessness campaign targets those struggling due to Covid
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Around 450 primary schools' worth of children stuck in temporary accommodation during lockdown
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Extra COVID protections for rough sleepers and renters
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Welsh Government: Further reading
The Welsh Government has launched a campaign urging young people who are at risk of homelessness or already homeless to call a free Housing Advice Helpline run by Shelter Cymru and Llamau.
Now in its second year, the youth homelessness campaign highlights the problem of hidden homelessness among young people - raising awareness of the fact that homelessness doesn't always live on the streets.
Hidden homelessness most commonly takes the form of 'sofa surfing' at the house of friends or family, but can also include staying somewhere temporarily - like a hostel or bed & breakfast, or somewhere that's unsafe or unsuitable.
This phase of the campaign also focuses on people who may now be at risk of homelessness because of the pandemic; these people may have recently lost their jobs or are on furlough and may be struggling to hold onto their homes.
As well as helping these people to recognise that they might be at risk of homelessness or already homeless, the campaign also advises their friends, family and work colleagues on how to spot the signs of hidden homelessness.
Anyone experiencing these issues is being asked to call the free Housing Advice Helpline, which is funded by the Welsh Government.
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Posted 13.01.21
Local Government Association (LGA): Further reading
Around 450 primary schools' worth of homeless children are spending lockdown in temporary accommodation amid a chronic shortage of affordable housing, the Local Government Association warns.
Latest figures for England show there are 127,240 children living in temporary accommodation, including 1,440 households with children in bed and breakfasts.
The LGA said the number of children having to spend the latest national lockdown in temporary accommodation reinforces the urgent need for the Government to ensure building of more affordable homes to rent, which is central to a recovery from the pandemic.
The LGA has set out a six-point plan of action the Government can immediately take, including:
The LGA is also calling increases in social housing, with 100,000 new social homes for rent to be delivered every year.
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Posted 08.01.21
GOV.UK: Further reading
Extra support to help protect rough sleepers and renters from the effects of COVID-19 has been announced by the Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick.
Backed by an additional £10 million in funding, all councils in England are being asked to redouble their efforts to help accommodate all those currently sleeping rough and ensure they are swiftly registered with a GP.
This aims to protect them from the virus and facilitate contacting them to receive vaccinations in line with the priority groups outlined by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation.
Councils will also be asked to reach out again to those who have previously refused help, given rising infection rates and the colder winter months.
Renters will continue to be supported during the new national restrictions, with an extension to the ban on bailiff evictions for all but the most egregious cases for at least 6 weeks - until at least 21 February - with measures kept under review.
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Updated 09.01.21
The Observer: 70,000 households in UK made homeless during pandemic
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