Homelessness

Every death of someone sleeping rough is both tragic and preventable. The rise in rent arrears under universal credit policies exacerbates the risk of homelessness, highlighting the need for a welfare policy that does not punish vulnerable individuals.

Acknowledges the shared goal to end rough sleeping but seeks advice on how best to allocate additional funding to achieve this objective effectively.

The rise in homelessness is partly due to concerns about universal credit, which leads to unsustainable rent arrears and increases the risk of eviction. Addressing these issues could help reduce homelessness.

Calls out the return to high levels of rough sleeping as a result of ideological policies favoured by certain politicians. Points to data showing that the average age at death for homeless males is 44, underlining the severity of the issue.

Highlights that the root cause of the homelessness crisis may be related to housing affordability issues, noting a significant increase in property prices since 1997. This raises questions about the sustainability of accommodation costs across successive governments.

Supports the view that the rise in homelessness is linked to a continuing decline in social housing properties, with an additional drop of 17,000 units reported last year alone.

Emphasises the need for both building more social homes and increasing local housing allowances to address the homelessness crisis effectively.

The Labour Party criticises the Government's performance over the past nine and a half years, noting that homelessness is an escalating problem. They urge the Secretary of State to acknowledge the worsening situation due to their policies.

Mr Byrne highlights the need for houses in Housing First initiatives, noting a 17% fall in social homes built in the West Midlands last year and an 18% decrease since 2010.

Raises concerns about eviction rates for tenants on universal credit being three times higher than those not on it, questioning the Secretary of State's conversations with DWP to address this issue.

Suggests addressing rough sleeping by dealing with drug and alcohol addiction issues through generous programmes.

Requests the Government to produce a proper analysis of the connection between welfare reform policies and homelessness, as highlighted in a National Audit Office report.

Argues for a multifaceted approach to tackle rough sleeping, including mental health support and drug addiction programmes, especially in central London.

Reminds the House of previous Conservative efforts under John Major's Government that started addressing rough sleeping issues in the late 1980s.

Raises concerns about cuts to homelessness support over the last decade and their consequences, highlighting an increase in deaths among homeless people.

Highlights that rough sleeping is illegal under the Vagrancy Act 1824 and campaigns for its repeal along with St Mungo’s, Crisis and others.

Discusses constituents facing homelessness due to social security issues and warns that the roll-out of universal credit may increase homelessness according to local authority predictions.

Compliments organisations such as Dogs on the Street for caring for homeless people with pets, emphasising their importance as lifelines for these individuals.

The hon. Member thanked the official Opposition for tabling the motion, acknowledging that homelessness is an issue across borders and emphasised the need to eradicate homelessness. He praised Scotland's strong rights for homeless people but noted more needed to be done in tackling rough sleeping. He commended Social Bite’s Housing First programme which has seen 186 people housed between April and December last year with 91% sustaining their tenancies. The hon. Member highlighted the need for wraparound support and praised the Bethany Christian Trust's project in his constituency. He discussed the £50 million Ending Homelessness Together fund from the Scottish Government, stating that it was helping to deliver actions recommended by the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Action Group. Additionally, he mentioned the importance of building more social rented affordable homes and criticised the impact of austerity measures imposed by the British Government on homelessness in Scotland.

Over the years, Adam Holloway has observed that street homelessness remains a persistent issue with mental health and drug addiction being key factors. He emphasises that this is primarily a health problem rather than a housing one. He shares personal experiences of meeting individuals who are homeless but have shelter options, yet choose to be on the streets due to alcohol or drug dependencies. Holloway advocates for wet accommodation where people can take drugs and continue drinking safely, alongside good emergency psychiatric assessments. He also stresses the need for timely access to rehabilitation services and robust measures to prevent young people from falling into addiction cycles.

Mr Byrne highlighted the personal impact of alcoholism on his life, focusing on how Birmingham's social welfare system has deteriorated, leading to a rise in rough sleeping and homelessness. He emphasised the need for more homes, better collaboration among public agencies, and measures like abolishing the Vagrancy Act 1824.

Mr Hughes intervened to acknowledge the work of YMCA Birmingham in providing accommodation for homeless people in Birmingham, which has received about £3.5 million from the Government over the past five years.

Mr. Cartlidge emphasised the need to end homelessness and welcomed the additional £112 million announced by the Secretary of State for housing, including £30 million for mental health services. He noted that drugs, alcohol, family breakdown, and a combination of these factors often contribute to homelessness. Mr. Cartlidge highlighted the structural trend of increased statutory homelessness due to rent increases at the end of assured shorthold tenancies (ASTs). He also pointed out the affordability crisis linked to rising house prices and flat wages, which exacerbate the problem. Emphasising the need for more housing supply, he advocated for build-to-rent developments that offer long-term tenancies. Additionally, he discussed the importance of urban regeneration in providing additional housing stock through better density and improved existing stock.

What a great pleasure it is to be called so early in this debate and to follow the hon. Member for Erith and Thamesmead (Abena Oppong-Asare), who spoke with poise and with passion... I must mention a number of local organisations. Routes to Roots, a charity in Poole that I have supported, does excellent work in supporting some of the most vulnerable people who are on the streets...

Expresses gratitude for the opportunity to discuss homelessness and rough sleeping. Acknowledges the work of charities and organisations supporting those who are homeless, such as Crisis, Shelter, St Mungo’s, and Porchlight. Highlights the need for a holistic approach to tackle homelessness through ring-fencing funds, prioritising mental health services, improving coordination between government departments, expanding social impact bonds, delivering an empty homes strategy, and scrapping the Vagrancy Act 1824.

Congratulated fellow MPs on their maiden speeches and praised the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 for its collaborative nature. Suggested improvements including simplifying funding application processes, addressing staff shortages due to increased demands under the Act's 56-day prevention requirement, and seeking flexibility in Homes England policies regarding temporary accommodation.

Discussed tackling homelessness in Gloucester, highlighting the city’s social housing development progress. Addressed the issue of EU nationals with no recourse to public funds contributing significantly to rough sleeping rates. Emphasised the importance of addressing rough sleepers who are not eligible for assistance under current policies and highlighted the positive impact of Government funding on local initiatives.

Critiqued the short-term approach to directly funded services for rough sleepers, advocating for more reliable long-term support rather than bidding-led funding models. Cited examples from Oxford of successful projects that faced premature closure due to lack of continuous funding.

Discussed the complex issue of homelessness in Milton Keynes, including rough sleepers and those in temporary accommodation. Acknowledged the importance of addressing underlying issues such as domestic violence, substance misuse, and mental health. Welcomed additional funding for tackling homelessness but highlighted concerns about planning and housing shortages.

Moran argues that the Vagrancy Act 1824 should be scrapped to take a more holistic approach towards rough sleeping. She mentions that sections of this act make rough sleeping illegal, which is not reflective of current societal values according to a Crisis survey where 71% disagreed with it being illegal.

Russell highlights the issue of 'cuckooing', where drug gangs exploit vulnerable individuals who are homeless or rough sleeping, turning their homes into crime hubs. He suggests this is a complex issue involving organised crime, housing, and mental health.

Brown discusses the root causes of homelessness in her constituency, noting that many work for less than the London living wage and face unaffordable rents. She criticises Government decisions as making rents less affordable and calls for building social homes with social rents.

Aldous acknowledges the need to address homelessness, commending the government on their initiatives but suggesting that funding needs long-term commitment rather than being provided annually. He also discusses issues such as universal credit's five-week wait period and calls for support housing providers.

Perkins highlighted the significant issue of homelessness and its political dimensions, including housing supply, welfare policy, and the impact of sanctions on vulnerable people. He noted the reduction in hostels for homeless individuals and the decrease in local government funding. Perkins also addressed the disappointing number of new social homes built under the current government compared to Labour's tenure.

Madders discussed the increase in visible homelessness, including people sleeping rough near Parliament. He emphasised the invisible forms of homelessness, such as those living temporarily or with family and friends. Madders pointed out that while there was progress in reducing rough sleeping before 2010, it has since worsened under the current government's policies. He also noted a significant rise in deaths among homeless individuals, calling for urgent action to address the key drivers of homelessness.

Coyle spoke about his role as co-chair of the all-party parliamentary group on ending homelessness. He highlighted the issues in Southwark, such as high numbers of homeless applications and temporary accommodation but also praised the council's housing building programme. Coyle called for better measurement and transparency regarding rough sleeping, criticised the slow progress towards reducing it, and advocated for a safeguarding review of every death of a homeless person to identify preventable causes.

Homelessness is a manifestation of societal failure, exacerbated by the housing crisis and social care challenges. The number of rough sleepers has decreased in Bedford due to local initiatives but overall levels continue to rise, particularly with people living in inadequate temporary accommodation. Affordable housing options are scarce, with only five of 200 two-bed homes being affordable under current benefit allowances.

The debate addresses the hidden homelessness issue within families residing in temporary accommodation. In Wandsworth, over 3,000 children live in such conditions. A family case study highlights the difficulties of being relocated far from work and schools, leading to increased travel times and school absences due to fatigue.

The street count system underestimates the reality of homelessness and its associated deaths. In Brighton, despite efforts by local councils, homelessness has risen with significant mortality rates among homeless individuals. There is a need to address the systemic failures causing these issues.

The debate highlights the responsibility of Parliament to tackle homelessness, which has been exacerbated by Conservative austerity policies since 2010. Labour's past actions led to a decline in homelessness from 1997 to 2010, contrasting sharply with recent trends under the current government. The speaker calls for action and personal involvement through volunteering at local shelters.

Criticised the Conservative Government for not taking responsibility for the increase in homelessness since 2010. Emphasised that Labour's efforts under previous governments had almost eradicated homelessness, but it has increased drastically since then. Discussed the lack of resources and support for charities working with homeless people and highlighted various issues such as reductions in benefits, funding cuts for hostels, and a shortage of new social housing.

Suggested that homelessness is primarily a health problem and criticised giving money to beggars who use it on drugs. He disagreed with Alex Cunningham's stance.

Thanked the Opposition for bringing the debate, congratulated two Members on their maiden speeches, acknowledged previous work of Frank Field as Chair of the Work and Pensions Committee. Stressed that it is unacceptable to have people sleeping rough in 2020, especially during cold weather. Mentioned doubling the cold weather fund by £3 million this year and its availability for applications. Highlighted commitment to £30 million NHS England funding over five years for addressing rough sleeping. Described community-based provision projects across six regions aimed at providing health and support services tailored to needs of those experiencing homelessness, informed by lived experience. Noted safeguarding reviews where appropriate, offered further conversation on these issues. Emphasised importance of social housing supply and committed £9 billion through the affordable homes programme for delivering new affordable homes. Announced £263 million funding increase for local authorities to support delivery of homelessness services and prevention programmes. Acknowledged concerns about welfare benefits and local housing allowance, noted end of benefit freeze and additional £40 million in discretionary housing payments. Addressed substance misuse needs among rough sleepers, highlighted training for frontline workers to assist those under the influence of new psychoactive substances like Spice.

Interjected during the Minister's speech, questioned whether any pilots would introduce a safeguarding review for deaths in their areas to identify possible interventions that could have prevented such outcomes.