Who gets what help?

Many people facing homelessness turn to their local council for help.

Those who are judged ‘unintentionally homeless’ and in ‘priority need’ are entitled to accommodation.

What does ‘priority need’ mean?

Very few people automatically meet the ‘priority need’ criteria.

They are:

• Pregnant women
• People with dependent children
• People who are under 18 (or under 21 if they are a care leaver)

Those with other special needs like disabilities, mental health issues, or victims of violence may be entitled to housing if they can prove that they are more vulnerable and at greater risk than other homeless people.

Most single homeless people do not meet the criteria.

What happens to everyone else?

Everyone else who is homeless should – in theory - get meaningful advice and assistance to prevent and resolve their homelessness.

But Crisis research shows that in practice, councils use the ‘priority need’ test as an excuse not to give many homeless people the minimum levels of advice and assistance to which they are entitled.

Turned away with no real help, they risk joining the ranks of countless thousands of hidden homeless people who sleep on the sofas or floors of family and friends, or live in hostels, bed and breakfasts and squats. Some are left with no option but to sleep rough.

What’s the solution?

Our Expose the truth: justice not homelessness campaign is calling on the Government to widen the homelessness safety net so councils must work to prevent the homelessness of all who approach them.

This would include by providing emergency accommodation to all who need it and meaningful advice and assistance to address their housing need. Sign our petition to back this campaign call.