The use of benefit sanctions are often ‘unfair or inappropriate’ and can increase the risk of someone becoming homeless, a new report is warning.
In Benefit Sanctions and Homelessness, Crisis reveals a map of sanction ‘hotspots’ where people are more likely to be penalised. It warns that this shows a ‘flawed and punitive’ regime that can disproportionately affect homeless people.
Jon Sparkes, chief executive of Crisis, said: ‘The Government has assured us that benefit sanctions are only for those who refuse to play by the rules. But evidence is mounting of a punitive and deeply flawed regime.
‘Sanctions are cruel and can leave people at severe risk of homelessness – cold, hungry and utterly destitute. At the same time, people who are already homeless can struggle to meet the conditions of the regime. Many are trying to rebuild their lives, and losing the support of benefits can be disastrous. This isn’t helping people into work. It’s kicking them when they’re down.’
The report found that half of all reconsidered sanction decisions were later overturned, with Work Programmes the most likely to be reversed (19%). It highlights some of the consequences of people being sanctioned including an increase in food and fuel poverty, increased mental and physical health problems and disengagement with the system.
