New Government
statistics released today have revealed that over 95,000
people were in temporary accommodation across England at the end
of last year.
This reflects the work of local authorities to continue to
accommodate people sleeping rough during the pandemic. During
this time, the government also provided a number of policy
measures to protect people at risk of homelessness including
protection for renters from eviction and investment in housing
benefit.
The statistics also show that from October-December last year
there were:
- 95,370 people in temporary accommodation, an 8% increase
since the same period last year and specifically a 40% increase
in people living in B&Bs
- 7,840 people who were at risk or became homeless from the
private rented sector this quarter, a 40% decrease from the same
time last year
- 1,920 people were risk of becoming homeless as a result of
receiving a Section 21 eviction notice, a 49% decrease from the
same time last year
Commenting on these statistics, Jon Sparkes, chief executive of
Crisis, said: “If the past year has shown us anything, it’s just
how important a safe and secure home is for us all. There is no
doubt that the government providing emergency accommodation and
measures to protect renters last year ensured many people were
not forced into homelessness in the midst of the pandemic.
“These measures are only temporary though and for thousands of
people 2021 started with an eviction notice looming over them or
the constant uncertainty about how many more months they will
have to call a single room in a B&B their home. As the
economic impact of the pandemic continues to be felt, we risk
seeing thousands more people in situations like this, being
pushed into homelessness and needing support to keep a roof over
their heads.
“As lockdown eases and the emergency measures are withdrawn, we
urgently need the Westminster Government to set out a long-term
national strategy that will tackle rough sleeping and
homelessness for good. This must include a financial package for
renters in arrears, a national rollout of Housing First and
providing enough genuinely affordable homes so that people are
not left stuck in temporary accommodation with no end in sight.
We must seize this opportunity to build back better in our
communities - a truly impactful and lasting post-pandemic
recovery has to mean a secure, affordable home for all.”
