BASW England demands action on 'alarming' rise in homelessness
This marks the largest annual rise since 2015, a trend that demands urgent attention and comprehensive action.
BASW England wish to remind policymakers of the critical role of social work in supporting the most vulnerable members of our society. Homelessness is a deeply distressing experience with severe implications for mental, emotional and physical health, in addition to broader wellbeing, safety and safeguarding issues. It is a clear indication that our society is falling short in its duty to safeguard and support those in need.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, there was an effort to provide emergency accommodation for 15,000 rough sleepers by May 2020. However, the current surge in homelessness underscores the notion that inaction is not a result of circumstance but rather a political choice. The stark reality is that we have the means and knowledge to address this crisis, but the political will to do so remains absent.
The housing crisis, highlighted by these statistics, is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted response. The record number of households in temporary accommodation, including over 142,490 children, is indicative of a system under severe strain. The failure to meet the commitment to end rough sleeping by 2024, as stated in the 2019 Conservative manifesto, is both disheartening and unacceptable.
The alarming rise in homelessness is not an isolated problem; it is intricately linked to systemic issues in housing policy. We echo the sentiments of charities and organisations calling for emergency action and attention to the government's failure to address the housing emergency. Furthermore, we urge a re-evaluation of eviction notice periods, with due consideration to the potential consequences on vulnerable renters being forced into homelessness.
We cannot ignore that the trauma of homelessness goes beyond the individual, impacting the fabric of our society. If we are to be judged by how we support our most vulnerable citizens, today's statistics are a shameful testament to our collective failure. As representatives of social work and the values that underpin it, we stand committed to advocating for policies and actions that prioritise the wellbeing of all, ensuring that no one is left without a safe place to call home.
BASW England will continue to highlight these issues and will be campaigning on key policies such as increased investment in good quality social and specialist housing as well as a review of benefits that fund the crisis which will be a key focus in our general election campaign and manifesto.
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Full data can be found in the UK Government's ‘Rough sleeping snapshot in England: autumn 2023’
