Homelessness statistics highlight critical importance of new legislation
We respond to the Government’s homelessness statistics for Q2 2016
Government figures published today reveal that there were 73,120 households in temporary accommodation at the end of June – an increase of 9% on the same period last year. This is the fifth quarterly rise in a row. The number of households applying to be registered as homeless increased by 9% in Q2 2016, with acceptances up 10%.
A total of 20,660 households were in temporary accommodation outside of their own local authority area at the end of the period. This was 17% more than in June 2015.
The percentage of households made homeless due to the end of an assured shorthold tenancy rose by 18% to 4,880 households.
Homeless Link's Chief Executive, Rick Henderson, commented:
“The increase in the number of homeless households quarter after quarter paints a worrying picture. We cannot allow this to continue.
“As well as homelessness applications rising, we have seen a further leap in the number of households who have no choice but to be housed outside of their local neighbourhoods as Local Authorities continue to struggle to find suitable accommodation. The situation is only worsened by the private rented sector, which is causing an increasing number of households to lose their tenancies.
“It is clear that current policy is not operating effectively and a rethink is needed. The wheels are in motion in the form of the Homelessness Reduction Bill, and we urge the Government to do everything it can to ensure this Bill becomes law. A greater focus on homelessness prevention rather than crisis intervention will give those threatened with losing their homes the support they urgently need. Improved relief for individuals and families who are homeless is also vital to support people to move swiftly out of homelessness.”
Compared to Q2 2015, the latest statistics show that in Q2 2016:
• The number of applications increased 9%
• The number of acceptances increased 10%
• The rate of acceptance was 51%, up one percentage point
• Homelessness due to the loss of an assured shorthold tenancy remained the biggest cause of homelessness at 32%
• Use of temporary accommodation rose by 9%
• Homeless households placed in other LA areas increased 17%
Explore statutory homelessness stats since 2010 in our interactive charts or download the Q2 data from gov.uk.
