LGA responds to latest homelessness figures

Responding to the latest homelessness statistics showing the number of households living in temporary accommodation has risen in the past year, the Local Government Association’s housing spokesman, Cllr David Renard, said:

“Behind every instance of homelessness lies an individual tragedy and councils want to work with the new government to prevent homelessness from happening in the first place and support those affected.

“The new government can help to address this by adapting welfare reforms to protect families at risk of becoming homeless, by restoring Local Housing Allowance rates to cover at least the lowest third of market rents when the current freeze ends in 2020.

“It should also give councils the powers and funding to build desperately needed affordable new homes. This should include urgent reform to the Right to Buy scheme, which enables councils to keep all sales receipts and set discounts locally.”