Menu
17/06/2003
Homelessness in England on the rise
Statistics released today revealed that the number of households in accommodation but registered as homeless has risen by nearly 6,000 in the first quarter of this year.
According to government figures, the number of households in accommodation arranged by local authorities under homelessness legislation at the end of March 2003 was 90,680 – some 5,750, or 7% higher than at the end of the previous quarter and 10,150, or 13%, more than recorded at the end of March 2002.
Most of these households are living in self-contained properties leased or rented in the private sector, or in council or housing association stock let on a temporary basis. But a significant proportion – nearly one in seven – are living in B&B hotels.
Lord Rooker, the Minister with responsibility for homelessness, has called on local authorities to take up the policies of councils who are successfully using preventative schemes to combat the rising tide of homelessness.
He said: "I am urging all local authorities to ensure that the approaches that have worked so well in tackling rough sleeping and reducing inappropriate use of B&B hotels are carried forward in their new homelessness strategies.
"Homelessness is a manifestation of social exclusion. That's why prevention is absolutely key to the whole approach on homelessness.
"Beacon local authorities are providing a lead for others with creative and innovative solutions to homelessness, based on a clear understanding of the causes of homelessness and the identification of early interventions to avoid crises. I want to see other authorities following their example so that, across the country, there is help for vulnerable people that matches the standards of the best."
The government has committed itself to helping local authorities ensure that by March 2004 no homeless families with children will be in B&B other than in an emergency, and even then for no more than 6 weeks.
This quarter there was a 16% reduction in the number of homeless families living in B&Bs over the past three months.
The Homelessness Directorate has invested over £100 million in 2002/03 to support local authorities and voluntary organisations in their strategies and action to meet the government's B&B and rough sleeping targets, and the development of local authorities' homelessness strategies.
All local authorities should have completed their homelessness reviews and have homelessness strategies in place by July 30.
(GMcG)
According to government figures, the number of households in accommodation arranged by local authorities under homelessness legislation at the end of March 2003 was 90,680 – some 5,750, or 7% higher than at the end of the previous quarter and 10,150, or 13%, more than recorded at the end of March 2002.
Most of these households are living in self-contained properties leased or rented in the private sector, or in council or housing association stock let on a temporary basis. But a significant proportion – nearly one in seven – are living in B&B hotels.
Lord Rooker, the Minister with responsibility for homelessness, has called on local authorities to take up the policies of councils who are successfully using preventative schemes to combat the rising tide of homelessness.
He said: "I am urging all local authorities to ensure that the approaches that have worked so well in tackling rough sleeping and reducing inappropriate use of B&B hotels are carried forward in their new homelessness strategies.
"Homelessness is a manifestation of social exclusion. That's why prevention is absolutely key to the whole approach on homelessness.
"Beacon local authorities are providing a lead for others with creative and innovative solutions to homelessness, based on a clear understanding of the causes of homelessness and the identification of early interventions to avoid crises. I want to see other authorities following their example so that, across the country, there is help for vulnerable people that matches the standards of the best."
The government has committed itself to helping local authorities ensure that by March 2004 no homeless families with children will be in B&B other than in an emergency, and even then for no more than 6 weeks.
This quarter there was a 16% reduction in the number of homeless families living in B&Bs over the past three months.
The Homelessness Directorate has invested over £100 million in 2002/03 to support local authorities and voluntary organisations in their strategies and action to meet the government's B&B and rough sleeping targets, and the development of local authorities' homelessness strategies.
All local authorities should have completed their homelessness reviews and have homelessness strategies in place by July 30.
(GMcG)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
10 December 2003
£60m funding earmarked to reduce homelessness
Local authorities and voluntary organisations across the country will receive a share of £60 million in 2004/05 to support them in "tackling homelessness more effectively", homelessness Minister Jeff Rooker announced today.
£60m funding earmarked to reduce homelessness
Local authorities and voluntary organisations across the country will receive a share of £60 million in 2004/05 to support them in "tackling homelessness more effectively", homelessness Minister Jeff Rooker announced today.
12 December 2008
Homelessness Numbers Down By 60%
National statistics released yesterday show that the number of households accepted as homeless has been cut by 60% since 2003. The figures show that 14,340 households were accepted as homeless by local authorities between July to September 2008 - a 13% reduction compared to the same quarter last year.
Homelessness Numbers Down By 60%
National statistics released yesterday show that the number of households accepted as homeless has been cut by 60% since 2003. The figures show that 14,340 households were accepted as homeless by local authorities between July to September 2008 - a 13% reduction compared to the same quarter last year.
07 March 2007
Reid announces clampdown on illegal immigrants
Home Secretary John Reid has announced a series of measures aimed at preventing illegal immigrants coming to the UK.
Reid announces clampdown on illegal immigrants
Home Secretary John Reid has announced a series of measures aimed at preventing illegal immigrants coming to the UK.
06 April 2004
Project to help vulnerable children praised
A project that uses state of the art technology to identify vulnerable children before they get to the point of offending has been praised by the Local e-Government Minister for successfully concluding the first phase of its pilot scheme.
Project to help vulnerable children praised
A project that uses state of the art technology to identify vulnerable children before they get to the point of offending has been praised by the Local e-Government Minister for successfully concluding the first phase of its pilot scheme.
08 December 2004
Local authorities team up for joint working on waste
A new project to identify and propose solutions to barriers to joint working between local authorities was launched today by Environment Minister Elliot Morley.
Local authorities team up for joint working on waste
A new project to identify and propose solutions to barriers to joint working between local authorities was launched today by Environment Minister Elliot Morley.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
