Ellie Ames 02 July 2024

Homelessness spending triples in eight years

Homelessness spending triples in eight years image
Image: Pressmaster / Shutterstock.com

The proportion of councils’ total housing budget spent on homelessness and temporary accommodation has tripled since 2015, new analysis has revealed.

The Local Government Association (LGA) found that councils in England and Wales spent £315m on homelessness in 2015-16, compared to just over £1bn in 2023-24 – a sum it said could rise when official figures are released.

Eight years ago, 18% of councils' total housing budgets was allocated to homelessness; this now stands at 60%.

The LGA has called for the next government to reform Right to Buy to support 1:1 replacement of social housing; require all planning applications to deliver affordable housing requirements as per local plans, and bring forward long-awaited legislation banning Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions.

LGA housing spokesperson Claire Holland said: ‘Homelessness pressures on councils are spiralling as a larger proportion of their budgets is put towards costly temporary accommodation due to a lack of social housing.

‘The way to properly resolve the issue is to address the shortage of suitable housing across the country and build up councils’ stock of social housing.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Highly Specialist Clinical Psychologist

Oxfordshire County Council
£62215 - £72293
How about joining The Clinical Team at Oxfordshire County Council in our new Community Family Clinic initiative? Oxford
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Traffic Management Officer - WMF2114e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£37,035 - £37,938
Are you an experienced and motivated professional looking to take the next step in your traffic management career? Cumbria / Various
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Peripatetic Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£16,415.00 - £16,675.23 Grade 4, 24.5 hours, Permanent
Are you caring, compassionate, and friendly? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Peripatetic Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£14,070.00 - £14,293.05 Grade 4, 21 hours, Permanent
Are you caring, compassionate, and friendly? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Recruitment Support Officer

Durham County Council
£25,584 to £27,711 p.a. (Grade 5) pay award pending
We are looking for a Recruitment Support Officer to join our team on a temporary basis until 31 March 2026. In this role, you will provide a comprehe Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner