31 July 2012
St Mungo's has highlighted the need for more investment in housing and a rethink on benefit cuts, in response to a new story out today about the number of people classified as homeless.
An analysis of homelessness rates by data company SSentif found that 50,290 households were identified as priority homeless by councils in England in the year 2011-12, an increase of 6,130 on 2010- 11: a 14 per cent increase year on year, and 25 per cent over the last three years.
Mike McCall, St Mungo's Executive Director of Operations, said: "These concerning homelessness figures come as research from the National Landlords Association shows that the number of tenants falling into rental arrears has also risen. That means potentially even more people in the months ahead needing urgent support to stop them joining the increasing numbers who end up sleeping rough."
"More investment in housing and a rethink on benefit cuts is vital. In the short term, we need to protect funding for legal and housing advice services for people at risk of losing their homes, and avoid further closures of hostels and supported housing for the most vulnerable to move into as they try to rebuild their lives."
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