Homelessness figures in Britain expected to double by 2041

Research conducted by the Heriot-Watt University for Crisis has found that the number of people forced into homelessness is expected to double to around 575,000 by 2041.

In 2016, the number of people categorised as homeless was predicted to be around 236,000, but Crisis warn that this number could increase further if the government does not take immediate action to tackle the problem.

The majority of those effected are predicted to be “sofa surfers” – a nickname given to the 68,300 people who are forced to sleep on their friends or family’s couches at night. A further increase is also expected to be seen for those people placed by a council into an unsuitable form of accommodation, such as a B&B, with figures predicted to leap from just 19,300 to 117,500.

In an attempt to prevent such actions, Crisis and other local charities are urging the government to build more forms of affordable housing across the country and launch a more ‘concentrated effort’ to prevent rough sleeping.

Some of our most vulnerable members of society are being left with very little support.

The research conducted this year has found that cases of homelessness will be more heavily concentrated in England. London is expected to be the area most heavily effected, as predictions suggest that the capital will account for more than half of England’s homeless population by 2041.

In 2016, it was predicted that there were approximately 20 rough sleepers and as many as 200 homeless people in Leamington. In an attempt to offer support to those most effected, Warwick students and members of the local community came together to set up the Leamington Winter Support Shelter last year. A few weeks ago Dr Rutherford, one of the core minds behind the shelter, was awarded a British Citizen Award (BCA) for her work and dedication.

Despite such support however, The Boar reported a number of dramatic cuts to Warwickshire’s homelessness support services last year, which led to the closure of three hostels in Warwick and Leamington, decreasing the number of beds available from 120 to just 57.

When questioned about such events last year Labour County councillor (and current MP) Matt Western stated: “Some of our most vulnerable members of society are being left with very little support. It has reached crisis point. There is increasing pressure on these organisations and there simply isn’t the funding to support the additional demand.”

This government is determined to help the most vulnerable in society and we’re working to make sure people always have a roof over their head.

In response to the current homelessness issue today, Crisis have called on the public to support its ‘Everyday In campaign’ to help end the worst forms of homelessness.

When questioned by The Guardian about the recent findings The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) commented that:“This government is determined to help the most vulnerable in society and we’re working to make sure people always have a roof over their head.”

“Alongside investing £550m to 2020 to address the issue, we’re implementing the Homelessness Reduction Act, which will require councils to provide early support to people at risk of becoming homeless.”

The Act is set to come into effect next year and includes funding levels of £61m for 2017-19. The DCLG is also reported to be considering further ways of increasing funding for high-pressure areas and those most effected.