Responding to the Autumn Budget, Emma Haddad, Chief Executive of St Mungo’s, said:
“Today’s budget could be a real turning point for homelessness in this country. We are delighted that the Government has made a long-term commitment to ending rough sleeping, doubling the funding with an additional £432 million. Now we have to make sure that people receive sustainable routes off the street with the right support.
“At Downing Street’s first ever Rough Sleeping Summit this week, I saw charities, businesses and our partners in government come together to help turn this remarkable opportunity into lasting change. As the Prime Minister said, this is about investing in people’s success, not in society’s failure. We welcomed his commitment to seeing this through for as long as it takes, ensuring funding is secure, and making the ambition real across the whole of government so that prevention becomes designed into policy.
“Many people we support out of homelessness have immense complexity of need, from physical and mental health issues, domestic abuse, or substance support needs. Quick, untailored offers off the street won’t work for many of these people. The doubling of funding announced today must help ensure that offers are individualised, and that we work with people for as long as it takes, beyond Christmas if need be, for sustainable and long-term recovery from homelessness.
“Alongside the funding for rough sleeping, we welcome the Government’s ambitions to build more social and council housing. But today’s Budget has missed the opportunity to make renting more affordable for people recovering from homelessness by unfreezing Local Housing Allowance. Many of the people we support are struggling to move into private rented homes due to extortionate rents that benefits and low incomes simply don’t cover. To properly prevent homelessness, housing must be accessible and reflect the real cost of renting.
“Today’s budget has given us the potential to make incredible progress to end rough sleeping. But to end homelessness in all its forms people need more than a route off the streets: they need a home they can afford.”
Photo credit: Lauren Hurley / No 10 Downing Street (OGL)