Today, IPPR and IPPR North have released a landmark report into the state of homelessness across England.  

 

The report highlights how rising living costs and a chronic shortage of social and affordable homes are fuelling the housing crisis while councils spend billions of pounds on temporary accommodation for people facing homelessness every year.  

 

It calls for a national shift in how the UK Government deals with this crisis - by adopting a Housing First philosophy that ensures people have access to secure homes as quickly as possible, with additional support provided as needed. 

 

In response, Crisis Chief Executive Matt Downie said: “For too long we’ve spent billions of pounds managing homelessness when we should be focused on ending it. This prolongs the problem and creates misery in return. It’s left record numbers of households across England stuck in temporary accommodation because private rents are unaffordable and there’s a chronic shortage of social homes.  

 

“But it doesn’t have to be like this. By adopting a Housing First philosophy we can fundamentally change the political diagnosis and prescription for homelessness. Prioritising secure, affordable homes is a simple yet highly effective way to end homelessness - and it’s been shown to work in other countries such as Finland and here in the UK in Greater Manchester.  

 

“There is a huge opportunity for a new Prime Minister to show at national level the art of the possible. Concerted political action to tackle the housing crisis can bring hope back to communities and ensure that everyone has the essential foundation of a safe, affordable home.”