Focus the election on homelessness

Sir, Further to your report “Rising housing costs ‘punishing poorer families'” (Nov 9), it is clear that the housing crisis and homelessness should be at the centre of public debate in this general election. Our charities share a vision that homelessness can be ended, and demand urgent action.

Whoever forms the next government has the power to ensure that everyone in our society has the stability of a safe home. We need a plan that improves access to truly affordable housing by building at least 90,000 social homes a year for the next five years and bolsters security of tenure for people renting privately. We need to ensure that housing benefit covers rent and prevents people being forced into debt while awaiting universal credit payments, and to provide secure long-term funding for homelessness services.

We have come together to call on every candidate to back this plan by signing up to our Manifesto for Ending Homelessness so everyone can have a place to call home.