Councils and charities back Budget boost amid homelessness rise in London

Councils and charities back Budget boost amid homelessness rise in London

0:01 AM, 1st November 2024, About 2 hours ago

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Councils and homeless charities welcome the Chancellor’s Budget boost to address homelessness, as new figures reveal that homelessness has risen by 42% in London.

According to figures from the Combined Homelessness and Information Network (CHAIN), the number of people considered to be “living on the streets” increased by 42% compared to the same period last year, with 681 people classified as living on the streets long-term.

In the Budget, the Chancellor announced an additional £233 million in spending for local government in 2025-26 to prevent homelessness.

Homeless emergency in London

According to data from the Combined Homelessness and Information Network, 4,780 people were seen sleeping rough in London from July to September 2024, an increase of 18% from the same period last year.

According to London Councils, boroughs in London have experienced a 28% real-term reduction in funding per resident since 2010. Increased demand and rising costs have combined to create a challenging financial situation for these boroughs.

Councillor Claire Holland, chair of London Councils, said: “We went into this Budget warning of a homelessness emergency that is devastating Londoners’ lives and pushing boroughs to the brink of bankruptcy.

“The measures announced by the Chancellor to support local homelessness services and boost housing growth are hugely welcome, alongside the additional investment in SEND and social care.

“While the Budget will help to address some of the immediate pressures we face, the outlook for borough finances remains extremely tough after 14 years of structural underfunding.

“We will continue working with ministers to address the significant financial challenges we face in local government and maintain vital local services.”

No one should be forced to live on the streets

Figures from the Combined Homelessness and Information Network also reveal the number of people sleeping rough for the first time in London rose to 2,343 between July and September 2024, up 12% from the same period in 2023.

Matt Downie, chief executive of homeless charity Crisis, said: “It’s shameful that so many people are being forced to sleep rough, taking refuge in doorways and seeking safety on night buses.

“No one should be forced to live permanently on the streets or to spend even one night in such a desperate, dangerous situation.

“Ministers have made some really promising commitments, including more money for councils and funding for new social and affordable homes. Yet this latest data is a stark reminder that we also need a coherent, long-term plan.

“The UK government should consult as soon as possible on its promised strategy for ending all forms of homelessness and demonstrate the political will that can fix this awful, broken system.”


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