Homeless people stuck in limbo as affordable rents remain out of reach

Homeless people stuck in limbo as affordable rents remain out of reach

0:02 AM, 6th September 2024, About 19 hours ago 5

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People stuck in homeless accommodation are left in limbo as finding affordable private rental homes feels impossible, warns charity.

A report by independent researcher Becky Rice on behalf of charity Commonweal Housing reveals many homeless people are unable to leave their homeless accommodation due to the rising costs of rent.

A 2022 survey by the homelessness charity Homeless Link found that more than 40% of people in homeless accommodation were ready to move on but unable to due to a lack of affordable options.

People left are sleeping rough

Data from the largest shelter provider in London shows that the number of clients it has moved into the PRS has decreased by almost half (43%) over the last three years, despite growing demand for these services.

The report shows that without a smooth transition from services like hostels and shelters, a backlog has formed. This means those needing help can’t get in and are left sleeping rough.

According to Homeless Link, in 2022, more than two-thirds of services had to turn people away due to capacity issues.

Interviewees in the report shared a range of concerns, with many feeling trapped and desperate. They described the lack of access to private rental housing for those ready to move on as “deeply traumatising”.

Some respondents described available PRS accommodation as “hovels,” which were cramped and lacking basic amenities like a shower or a table.

Next-to-nothing is being said or done

Commonweal Housing urges the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government (MHCLG) to prioritise creating a fairer, more accessible private rental sector (PRS) as a key step in ending rough sleeping.

The charity also recommends the Department for Work and Pensions should expand programs that help people move from supported housing into jobs, allowing them to save for a deposit and secure private rental homes.

Ashley Horsey, chief executive at Commonweal Housing, said: “While much has been said about the private rental market these past two years, particularly from the perspective of ‘Generation Rent’, next-to-nothing is being said or done for those who cannot rent.

“Their access to independent housing, employment, and a fresh start is denied often by no fault of their own. Before any new legislation starts its passage through Parliament, those living on the margins and forgotten before must be given centre stage.

“The solutions to the problems that Becky Rice has highlighted and so powerfully articulated by those working with and struggling in this broken system can and must be addressed.

“We now call on colleagues in the sector and across policy to bring forward a coordinated and cross-departmental set of measures to ensure that everyone can access work, and a safe, secure and affordable home.”


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Reluctant Landlord

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8:20 AM, 6th September 2024, About 11 hours ago

setting aside the issue of affordability (in itself big enough), the way legislation is going, no sane landlord is going to take on tenants with zero/little rental history, references, etc.

No mention of the ONGOING support needed for BOTH T and LL.

Its seems the box is just ticked once shelter is secured...all these organisations then pat themselves on the back on good job done. Goal achieved. Someone in accommodation.

Down the the LL to then take over the mantle of social services thereafter when the tenant can't cope, rent arrears accrue, anti social issues, mental health concerns issues hit....and the council then tells them to stay put....

No thanks!

Cider Drinker

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8:38 AM, 6th September 2024, About 10 hours ago

If the people that cannot afford a private rental property were helped (to afford such property), those that can afford to rent without help would be homeless.

Theres a fixed number of properties and a pn almost limitless supply of people.

Fix the problem, not the symptom.

Robert M

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16:25 PM, 6th September 2024, About 2 hours ago

This is not a new problem, for decades people experiencing homelessness are placed in a homeless hostel where they can receive housing and support, but when they are ready to move on into self-contained accommodation, there is simply none available.

The shortage of affordable 1 bedroom "move on" properties is a major problem for all supported housing providers (e.g. homeless hostels), and leads to the same type of "bed blocking" type issues as is encountered in hospitals. If people have nowhere to move on to, then there is no space in the hostels for other homeless people to move in to.

Reluctant Landlord

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16:40 PM, 6th September 2024, About 2 hours ago

Reply to the comment left by Robert M at 06/09/2024 - 16:25
...also cyclical... If the people then cant cope with fending for themselves they get evicted and back homeless..and so it goes on.

PETER harvey

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17:01 PM, 6th September 2024, About 2 hours ago

the councils should have made sure their landlords were given their properties back when they wanted them instead of blaming them when they had nowhere to put their tenants until bailiffs arrive and telling them to stay put because they have no accommodation for them until pressed.

also most of the families that they place have problems and have been evicted numerous times for rent arrears, anti social behaviour etc. it is a circle of being re-housed in temporary accommodation - being evicted - hostel or hotel - another temporary accommodatio9n property

there is no answer

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