William Eichler 20 November 2019

Families forced into homelessness by ‘unaffordable’ housing

A charity has warned that families are being pushed into homelessness as new figures reveal that nine in 10 homes are unaffordable to families relying on housing benefit.

New data from Crisis have revealed that fewer than 10% of homes are affordable to small families needing housing benefit in one third of areas across Britain.

The charity, which focuses on homelessness, warned that the housing affordability crisis is driving families into homelessness and forcing them to live in emergency or temporary accommodation.

Staying in emergency or unsuitable temporary accommodation, such as hostels and B&BS, affects 61,000 out of the 170,000 families and individuals experiencing the worst forms of homelessness in Great Britain.

Government statistics show that since 2011, the number of children in temporary accommodation has risen by 81% as councils struggle to find affordable, safe homes for families.

‘We constantly hear how the severe lack of affordable homes is leaving families going without food, missing bill payments and ultimately, being pushed into homelessness,’ said Jon Sparkes, chief executive at Crisis.

‘We need to see action if we are to prevent thousands of people from losing their homes. The next Government cannot ignore the widespread public desire to change the system – it must do all it can to make sure everyone has a home they can afford.’

Responding to Crisis’ research, the think tank Reform urged the next Government to scrap Right to Buy and Help to Buy to boost investment in social housing.

‘The housing benefit system is not working for claimants or for taxpayers. The over-reliance on the private rental market is funnelling billions to private landlords while leaving too many families unable to pay their rent,’ said Reform welfare researcher, Imogen Farhan.

‘The next Government must fundamentally change the way public money is spent on housing. It costs 23% more to house someone in the private rented sector than social housing.

‘In the last five years, Government has spent over £3.9bn on Right to Buy, which has subsidised the sale of much-needed social housing, and £10.9 billion on Help to Buy, which has largely been wasted on well-off first-time buyers. These schemes should be scrapped, and the funds reinvested into building more social homes.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Part Time Finance Administrator

Essex County Council
Up to £25081.00 per annum + Pro Rata
Part Time Finance AdministratorPermanent, Part Time£25,081 per annum, full time equivalentLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Senior Customer Services Adviser (Housing Repairs

Mansfield District Council
£28,598 - £33,699 per annum
Mansfield is a town of towns at the centre of things in Nottinghamshire - a place of many strong connections Mansfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Mansfield District Council

No Wrong Door Deputy Manager

North Yorkshire Council
From £47,181 up to £51,356 per annum pro rata
We’re looking for a passionate, driven, and dynamic professional to join our management team within our innovative No Wrong Door (NWD) service. Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Senior Resource Centre Worker

North Yorkshire Council
£34,434 - £38,220 per annum pro rata
You will work closely with families and other professionals to ensure that you have sound knowledge of the children you are caring for Morton on Swale, Northallerton
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Social Worker

North Yorkshire Council
£38,220 - £42,839 per annum, pro rata
Our Family Assessment and Support Teams you will work with a range of children and their families, carers and networks. Selby, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council
Linkedin Banner