This week’s report from the National Audit Office confirms what we are seeing on a daily basis across the country as we work with more and more people affected by homelessness.

As the third largest provider of homelessness services in the country, we are acutely aware of the increase in rough sleepers and people threatened with homelessness accessing our services. It’s why our latest Corporate Plan for 2017-2020 includes not only doing more to tackle but also preventing homelessness as key priorities.

“Recent welfare reforms, private sector rents and tenancy issues are just some of the factors resulting in more single people and families losing their homes. In addition, planned welfare changes, in particular the proposed LHA cap, also pose an even greater threat to homelessness services in the future”.

“We know that over 4,000 homelessness cases per quarter are due to the ending of Assured Shorthold Tenancies – an increase of 290% since 2010.

“What’s clear from the report is that more needs to be done to prevent and tackle the homelessness epidemic that the country is facing. We are seeing all sorts of people affected, from teenage parents to armed forces veterans, as well as those experiencing drug, alcohol and mental health issues.

“Providing a roof over a person’s head is just one aspect of combatting homelessness. Helping people to access bank accounts, employment, the internet and volunteering are all key ways we can support independence.

“Last year we worked with 11,000 people across the country who were homeless or at risk of homelessness, supporting 5,000 to move into permanent accommodation and 800 into employment.

“But we want to do more. We are keen to work with partners to increase our impact and develop approaches that prevent people from becoming homeless in the first instance and continue working with our customers as they move on to live independent, sustainable lives” 

If you would like to find out more about the work we do or just have a discussion about working together, please visit our Partner with us page or call 0345 111 0000.