HOMELESSNESS

'No desire' to address short-term homelessness system

MPs have warned there is seemingly ‘no desire to move away from an unsatisfactory short-term system’ for tackling homelessness.

(c) Poetry Photography/Shutterstock

(c) Poetry Photography/Shutterstock

MPs have warned there is seemingly ‘no desire to move away from an unsatisfactory short-term system' for tackling homelessness.

In a report, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) urged the Government to produce an overarching homelessness strategy for England, like in the devolved nations, to address a ‘crisis situation' and incentivise preventative approaches.

PAC chair Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown said: ‘A lack of affordable housing, a focus on short-term solutions and no clear strategy to tackle this issue have left us with thousands of families in deeply troubling circumstances.

‘Worryingly, there seems to be no desire to move away from an unsatisfactory short-term system, leaving local authorities attempting to save a sinking ship with a little more than a leaky bucket.'

The Local Government Association's housing spokesperson, Adam Hug, called for a ‘genuine cross-departmental approach to tackling this crisis, as part of a long-term government strategy, with councils given the powers and resources needed to address the national shortage of affordable housing'.

A Government spokesperson said deputy prime minister Angela Rayner was chairing the first cross-government group on tackling homelessness, which will 'develop a long-term strategy to tackle all forms of homelessness, bringing together the healthcare, justice and education systems'. 

 

HOMELESSNESS

Government must tackle planning's capacity problem

By Laura Markus | 12 February 2025

Lack of council resources and capacity is a significant block to development, and to the delivery of the Government’s new homes target, says Laura Markus

HOMELESSNESS

Funding crisis requires radicalism, MPs told

By Martin Ford | 11 February 2025

A more 'radical' approach is required from the Government to turn around the financial crisis facing councils, MPs heard today.

HOMELESSNESS

A moment of opportunity

By Philip Emms | 06 February 2025

Looking at the latest White Paper announcement, Ben Parsonage and Philip Emms break down the foundations of leadership in a new era of power and partnerships.

HOMELESSNESS

Saving SEND

By Cllr Arooj Shah | 05 February 2025

The root causes of the crisis in SEND are systemic, and any attempts to improve outcomes will fail unless the national rhetoric and policy framework are alte...

Popular articles by Ellie Ames