LGA responds to BMJ report on homelessness

“Homelessness is not just a housing issue, and is intrinsically linked to ill-health. This is especially evident in the numbers of homeless households with a mental health challenge or in elderly people, where we have seen an alarming rise in homelessness.

“If we want to end homelessness then councils need to be given the powers and funding to adapt welfare reforms and begin building affordable homes again.

“The Government needs to use the upcoming final Local Government Finance Settlement to accept the calls of both the LGA and the cross-party Treasury Select Committee, and completely scrap the cap on the amount councils can borrow to invest in new and existing homes.”

NOTES TO EDITORS

LGA publication – the impact of homelessness on health

https://www.local.gov.uk/sites/default/files/documents/22.7%20HEALTH%20AND%20HOMELESSNESS_v08_WEB_0.PDF