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12/12/2008
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.
The statistics also show a continuing reduction in the number of households in temporary accommodation down to 72,130 - a 29% reduction since 2004.
Homelessness Minister Iain Wright said: "This is a fantastic achievement by local authorities and their partners. We've come a long way in tackling homelessness, reducing homelessness acceptances by 60% over the last five years and cutting the use of temporary accommodation by nearly a third since 2004.
"But we will not stop here, we want sustained reductions, which is why we are investing £200 million over the next three years in local authorities and the voluntary sector to tackle and prevent homelessness - the biggest cash injection ever for homelessness services."
The figures come as the Communities and Local Government-backed SPARK competition which encourages new and innovative business ideas to prevent and tackle homelessness opens for applications.
The scheme invites social enterprises and individuals who are at risk of homelessness or have been homeless to bid for a share of a £1.6 million prize as well as business mentoring from the likes of PWC and BT. Profits from these enterprises are then used to help the homeless find training and employment.
This builds on the success of last year's 15 winners which included an organic farm that provides employment and rehabilitation services to homeless people and a corporate bike servicing programme.
(JM)
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.
The statistics also show a continuing reduction in the number of households in temporary accommodation down to 72,130 - a 29% reduction since 2004.
Homelessness Minister Iain Wright said: "This is a fantastic achievement by local authorities and their partners. We've come a long way in tackling homelessness, reducing homelessness acceptances by 60% over the last five years and cutting the use of temporary accommodation by nearly a third since 2004.
"But we will not stop here, we want sustained reductions, which is why we are investing £200 million over the next three years in local authorities and the voluntary sector to tackle and prevent homelessness - the biggest cash injection ever for homelessness services."
The figures come as the Communities and Local Government-backed SPARK competition which encourages new and innovative business ideas to prevent and tackle homelessness opens for applications.
The scheme invites social enterprises and individuals who are at risk of homelessness or have been homeless to bid for a share of a £1.6 million prize as well as business mentoring from the likes of PWC and BT. Profits from these enterprises are then used to help the homeless find training and employment.
This builds on the success of last year's 15 winners which included an organic farm that provides employment and rehabilitation services to homeless people and a corporate bike servicing programme.
(JM)
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17 June 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.
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.
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.
13 December 2004
Funding package announced to tackle homelessness
The Deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott, has announced a £150m funding package for new action to prevent and reduce homelessness. An extra £90 million will be targeted at improving the condition of hostel accommodation and the services they provide, to help rough sleepers make a permanent move away from the streets.
Funding package announced to tackle homelessness
The Deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott, has announced a £150m funding package for new action to prevent and reduce homelessness. An extra £90 million will be targeted at improving the condition of hostel accommodation and the services they provide, to help rough sleepers make a permanent move away from the streets.
20 February 2015
Student Donates £42,000 To Homeless Charity
A 22-year-old student has raised more than £40,000 for a homeless charity after a homeless man offered her money for a taxi home. Dominique Harrison-Bentzen was trying to make her way home following a night out in Preston when she discovered she had lost her bank card.
Student Donates £42,000 To Homeless Charity
A 22-year-old student has raised more than £40,000 for a homeless charity after a homeless man offered her money for a taxi home. Dominique Harrison-Bentzen was trying to make her way home following a night out in Preston when she discovered she had lost her bank card.
02 May 2006
Police continue to question man over body in suitcase
Police are continuing to question a 26-year-old man in connection with the discovery of the body of a teenage girl in a suitcase in Kent. The body of 17-year-old Terry Edmonds was discovered in the suitcase, which was found in a car park in Tunbridge Wells, Kent on Saturday. A post-mortem revealed that she died from asphyxiation.
Police continue to question man over body in suitcase
Police are continuing to question a 26-year-old man in connection with the discovery of the body of a teenage girl in a suitcase in Kent. The body of 17-year-old Terry Edmonds was discovered in the suitcase, which was found in a car park in Tunbridge Wells, Kent on Saturday. A post-mortem revealed that she died from asphyxiation.
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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.
