Shelter’s response to new government figures on rough sleeping

January 29, 2018

Shelter’s response to new government figures on rough sleeping, which show:

In Autumn 2017, 4,751 people were rough sleeping in England – a 15% increase in a year and a 169% increase since 2010 when the figures first started being recorded – this is the highest number yet. https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/homelessness-statistics#rough-sleeping.

Responding to the figures, chief executive of Shelter Polly Neate, said: “These figures expose the worst pain inflicted by our housing crisis. We have failed as a society when so many people are forced to sleep rough. But they are not alone, the scourge of homelessness extends far beyond our streets. Hidden away in emergency B&B’s, temporary bedsits and on friend’s sofas are hundreds of thousands of other homeless people, including families with children.

“Most of these people are homeless simply because they couldn’t afford to live anywhere, a situation made worse by welfare cuts. While the intentions of the Homelessness Reduction Act are good, it cannot fix this crisis. To do that, the government must act to build a new generation of genuinely affordable homes to rent, as well as ensuring housing benefit is fit for purpose in the short-term.”

Allen Walkey

Highly experienced businessman with a successful career in property sales and investment both in the UK and abroad. Now a freelance writer and blogger for the property and Investment Industry, keeping readers up-to-date with changes and events in a rapidly changing world.

You May Also Enjoy

Love or Hate Rightmove
Breaking News

Bank Rate cuts boost optimism for 2025 despite Budget pause

Average new seller asking prices drop by 1.4% (-£5,366) this month to £366,592, a bigger fall than the usual, seasonal 0.8% drop seen at this time of year, likely due to pre- and post-Budget jitters However, despite the dampening effect of the Budget, market activity remains stronger than last year as Bank Rate falls: The…
Read More →
Breaking News

How to market to Estate Agents UK

The UK’s property sales and letting industry is quite sizable in both volume of work and those employed within. Some 25 million dwellings in England alone exist and there were estimated to be approximately 55,500 estate agents working in the United Kingdom as of the second quarter of 2024. Up and down the country, in…
Read More →
Letting Agent Talk

Preventative Measures to Reduce the Risk of Emergencies in a Rental Home

Ensuring that a rental home is safe and well-maintained is essential for both landlords and tenants. Emergencies in a rental property can lead to significant stress, financial loss, and potential damage. However, by implementing preventative measures, landlords and tenants alike can reduce the risk of emergencies and create a safer living environment. This guide provides…
Read More →
Estate Agent Talk

Understanding the Metrics Used by Estate Agents to Determine Your Home’s Worth

Determining the value of a property can sometimes feel like a complex process shrouded in mystery. However, understanding the various metrics and considerations that estate agents use to assess your home’s worth can demystify the process and empower you as a homeowner. This blog will provide a comprehensive guide to the key factors estate agents…
Read More →
Breaking News

Breaking Property News 15/11/24

Daily bite-sized proptech and property news in partnership with Proptech-X.   Digital transformation of real estate drives profitability Press Release – London 14th November 2024 – Following the October budget, estate agents across the UK are seeking new ways to adapt to an evolving property market. Rising costs and shifting buyer expectations have driven a need…
Read More →
Estate Agent Talk

Labour’s Vision for Homeowners and Renters: Key Changes to Expect

The UK housing market continues to be a complex and often challenging landscape for both homeowners and renters. Labour’s vision for housing reform aims to address longstanding issues in affordability, security, and sustainability, setting out a series of policy proposals that could reshape the property market. Whether you are a homeowner, a renter, or an…
Read More →