Like many parts of London, and the country as a whole, there are too many households in Croydon who are struggling with the cost of housing.  From the council’s perspective, this creates a significant financial pressure from providing emergency and temporary accommodation but, more fundamentally, there are far broader short term and long term impacts on local residents. 

Studies have shown the effects of homelessness or poor quality accommodation on families and, in particular children.  For example, a report by Shelter in December 2017 highlights the impact on mental health, educational attainment, health and hygiene and social relationships.  The key problems identified were overcrowded accommodation, long commutes, instability and uncertainty and lack of access to key facilities in the home.  Whilst the financial pressures may have created the stimulus to seek solutions, it was the latter that always remained the focus, driving our desire to find a partner who shared in these values.