Tackling homelessness

All forms of homelessness are increasing. In 2022-23, there were over 100,000 households in England living in temporary accommodation, according to the National Audit Office (NAO). The Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 extended the duties for councils to work more on prevention and relief. Since then, homelessness has worsened due to factors including a continuing shortage … Show more

All forms of homelessness are increasing. In 2022-23, there were over 100,000 households in England living in temporary accommodation, according to the National Audit Office (NAO). The Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 extended the duties for councils to work more on prevention and relief. Since then, homelessness has worsened due to factors including a continuing shortage of social housing, welfare reforms, steep inflation in the private rental sector, and pressure on local housing. The Committee’s “Homeless households” report in 2017 warned that the extent of homelessness across England at the time was a national crisis, with an unacceptably complacent attitude from the then-Department for Communities and Local Government in efforts to reduce homelessness. Its 2024 report on the Homes for Ukraine scheme also raised concerns around the growing number of Ukrainians at risk of homelessness in the UK, as hosting arrangements ended or broke down. The NAO’s study in 2024 considers how the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities (DLUHC) works with other government departments and local authorities to tackle homelessness. The NAO has noted that homelessness is becoming a problem in places other than the traditional hotspots of London and certain metropolitan areas. It also highlighted that the rising costs of, and demand for, temporary accommodation are putting some local authorities under significant financial pressure. Based on the NAO’s work, the Committee will take evidence from senior DLUHC officials, with likely focuses including: - Government’s understanding of the extent, causes and costs of homelessness; - Delivery of system leadership on homelessness by the Department; and - The response of and support for local authorities. Please note that the Committee is unable to consider or assist with individual cases. If you need help with an individual problem you are having, you may wish to contact your constituency MP . If you have evidence on these issues please submit it here by 23:59 on Thursday 21 November 2024. Please look at the requirements for written evidence submissions and note that the Committee cannot accept material as evidence that is published elsewhere. Show less