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YOUNG & HOMELESS 2012

“Changes in the benefit regime are disproportionately affecting young people's ability to access a safety net. With youth unemployment high and benefit sanctions becoming harsher, the prospects look bleak for a lot of young people.” (Homelessness charity, West Midlands)

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National research from Homeless Link

An online survey with responses from:•101 local authorities in England•117 homelessness charities

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Youth homelessness is increasing

Half of the homelessness charities reported that they were working with more young people in 2012 than 2011

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Causes of youth homelessness

Relationship breakdown (65%)Substance misuse (18%)

Health problems (15%)

Eviction or threat of eviction (10%)

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Barriers to independence

61% of young homeless people lack independent living skills37% have issues with substance misuse1 in 5 have mental health problems

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Constraints on support

55% of homelessness organisations unable to help all young people referrals because of capacity constraints

54% reported that youth services in their areas had closed since November 2011

“We are all struggling to maintain a service which can produce results.” (Homelessness organisation, North West)

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Unsuitable emergency accommodation

Local authority emergency housing options include:•Crash pad beds•Night stop beds•Short stay supported housing in foyers and hostels•Supported lodgings

“B&B [use] has increased because of a general increase in demand.” (Local Authority, North West)

But 39% of local authorities use

unsuitable B&Bs regularly or

occasionally

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The Local Situation• 533 young people presented to local authorities as homeless or

in need of housing advice and support (Feb 12)• equates to an average of 53 young people per local authority• Homeless service providers supported approx. 870 young

people (Feb 12)• 6 out of 10 local authorities (60%) reported an increase

compared to previous year• 43% of new young clients had experienced rough sleeping

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The Local Situation (cont.)• A third of providers (5 out of 16) said they had been unable to

help young homeless people because of capacity constraints• B&B: 14% (1 out of 7) reported that it is ‘never’ used and 29% (2

out of 7) said it is used ‘sometimes’• Most common cause of homelessness among young people

was ‘relationship breakdown with family’

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Limited social housing options

• Social housing scarce in most areas and difficult for young people to access

• But some local authorities give allocation preference to care leavers and 16-17 year olds leaving supported housing

“There are substantially fewer Housing Association/Council properties available for this age group.” (Homelessness organisation, East of England)

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Limited private housing optionsWelfare reform is making it harder for young people to access private rented housing, by: •Reducing the amount of affordable property•Creating competition between under 25s and those aged 25-35Compounding these problems, many landlords refuse to let to young people in receipt of benefits

“It is extremely hard for any of our young people to access [private rented housing] as competition is so high, rents have gone up….” (Homelessness organisation, London)

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Our recommendationsAt a local level:1.Local authorities and charities need to work together to prevent youth homelessness2.Local authorities should protect funding for mediation and other prevention methods3.A youth accommodation pathway should be in place in every area to provide accessible housing options4.Commissioners should continue to commission based on quality as well as price

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Our recommendationsAt a national level:1.The Ministerial Working Group should continue to lead cross Government responses to homelessness2.The DWP and DCLG should intervene to ensure that young people can access private rented housing3.The DWP should manage changes to the welfare system to make sure that youth homelessness is not an unintended consequence of reform4.The DWP and DfE should ensure that education, training and employment opportunities are available to all young people

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CASE STUDY: Mariam, 23

Mariam moved out of her home, where she was being abused, and into a women’s refuge at the age of 19.

“My mixed background – western mother and strict Muslim father – left me feeling like I didn’t fit in. My dad was abusive towards my mum and, as I got older, towards me too and I was diagnosed with depression at 14.

“My dad’s side of the family wanted to force me to marry my cousin. I had to get out. It wasn’t easy to leave but the local police took me to the refuge. Now, four years on, I stay with friends but it was only meant to be temporary. I still class myself as homeless. I want my own place so I can start fresh but I’m finding it hard to find somewhere.”

Mariam would have to wait another 12 years before she qualifies for enough to afford her own private accommodation under the current welfare scheme, and would not qualify for any support under the proposed changes to cut housing benefit for young people.

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THANK YOU

Access the research report:

www.homeless.org.uk/youth-homelessness

Get further information:

Rachel.coffey@homelesslink.org.uk