Crisis’ Cover the Cost campaign is calling on the Government to invest in Local Housing Allowance rates, also known as Housing Benefit, so that they cover the cost of the cheapest third of rents. The rates have been frozen since 2016, following years of underinvestment. Crisis' report on research by Alma Economics, commissioned by Crisis, shows that restoring the rates to cover the cheapest third of rents could prevent more than 6,000 individuals and families from becoming homeless and lift more than 32,000 individuals and families out of poverty, including 35,000 children. It could also bring financial benefits of £2.1 billion over three years.

Nicole, a Crisis campaign supporter, explains why she is supporting the Cover the Cost campaign.

There’s really nowhere else in the UK like my city, Brighton and Hove. It’s uniquely bohemian, diverse and artistic, but it’s also incredibly expensive and is becoming an increasingly hard place to live.

Since 2010 homelessness and rough sleeping across the city has grown exponentially. In 2017 it came second only to Westminster for rough sleepers. Since the count method was changed in 2018 the numbers reported dropped from 178 to 64, but the validity of the claim is in question and in any case, we’re still in the top 10 across the UK. It certainly doesn’t seem like the situation has improved - there doesn’t seem to be a single area across the city that doesn’t have people begging on the street or sleeping in doorways and tents. It’s utterly heart-breaking.

When you look at Local Housing Allowance rates and availability of accommodation in Brighton and Hove it’s hardly surprising - the monthly rate for a single person over 35 (or couples with no children) is £663, but the average cost of a one-bedroom flat is £944, and even a studio flat will cost upwards of £744 a month. Crisis’ report showed that across the city only 1% of one-bedroom flats available to rent fall within the Local Housing Allowance limit - a total of two flats! Sadly, the situation is equally as dire for shared and family homes. Between 0 and 2% of shared properties and properties for families with children fell within the Local Housing Allowance limit.

This doesn’t take into account landlords who will actually even consider housing benefit either. In fact, I’ve only come across one in the 15 or so years I’ve lived here - they are the proverbial unicorns of the property market! Research shows the low levels of Housing Benefit are one of the main reasons for this. It’s yet another source of stress for people who are unable to work or are in low paid or zero hours contract jobs. Nobody should have to live in fear of potential eviction because they claim benefits - in my opinion it should be brought into legislation that landlords accept Housing Benefit - after all, there is the option to have it paid directly to them.

People in well paid, permanent employment are still at risk of losing their jobs anyway. Most people are only between one and three pay cheques away from homelessness. Freelancers shouldn’t have to stump up six months’ rent in advance just because they work for themselves. Whatever your source of income, you should be entitled to live in a safe and secure home without all these obstacles.

This year we’ve seen the introduction of The Tenant Fees Act and a commitment to end Section 21 evictions, which is brilliant progress, but until everyone has a safe and secure home, there is still so much work to be done. All of this is why I’m supporting Crisis’ Cover the Cost campaign and it would be fantastic if you could too – because together, we can end homelessness.