Recent studies conducted by Centrepoint have raised serious concerns about local councils and their support systems in place for those facing homelessness. Reports state that more than half of those people (58%) did not receive any meaningful support.
The research found that at least 86000 young people in the UK are either homeless or at risk, with only 33% of them receiving a documented assessment. The charity estimates that English councils could have to assess 45,000 more vulnerable 16-24 year-olds every year than they currently do under the new duties in the Homelessness Reduction Act. This legislation is likely to put stresses on councils, as their lack of resources may hinder their ability to assess the increased amount of homeless or those at risk.
Just 13% were accepted as statutory homeless and deemed to be owed a right to housing. Centrepoint said that 86,000 figure was “likely to be a significant underestimate” as it did not factor in people who sought help from family, friends or charities.
Paul Noblet of Centrepoint, said: “These figures lift the lid on the hidden crisis of youth homelessness in the UK – tens of thousands of young people are asking for help, with many denied proper housing assessments and in some cases their legal right to housing.
“The Homelessness Reduction Act is a step in the right direction, but it is absolutely vital that central government provides adequate funding to allow councils to fulfil their new duties and carry out tens of thousands of additional assessments.”