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Youth Homelessness Set to Worsen this Christmas

Changes to government funding mean that housing benefits and non-dependent allowances are soon to be cut
Lifestyle, World - 15 December 2010   Download IconContent available for download:  
Audio | Interview with Paul Marriot and Stephanie Povey| Login to Download

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Last year, 50,000 young people were reported homeless or in temporary accommodation on Christmas Day, with more unreported cases likely. This Christmas, homelessness charities expect to see a rise in the number of young, homeless people across the UK. However, recent changes to government funding have meant that this is no longer being monitored, which leaves this issue at risk of spiralling out of control under the new government.

Christmas is a particularly difficult time for those sleeping rough. It is traditionally a time for family yet the main cause of youth homelessness is family breakdown. Youth homelessness is likely to increase after this year’s spending review announcement as housing benefit and non-dependent allowances are soon to be cut, meaning parents may no longer be able to support their children once they turn 16.

Labour’s 2006 youth homelessness initiative also expires this year and the new government is yet to mention renewing the scheme which focuses particularly on young people who become homeless. Homelessness charities have already noticed an increased demand for their services due to the economic downturn, so the UK’s homeless problem only looks set to worsen.

. Introduction:

Christmas is a particularly difficult time for those sleeping rough, especially for the young who have found themselves homeless through no fault of their own. There are tens of thousands of young people who experience homelessness each year, and these are just the reported cases. Those concerned have normally been through a lot before they even reach the street and changes to government funding mean that the number of young people facing homelessness seems set to spiral out of control, unmonitored under the new Government who have not yet announced plans to address this concern. Being on the front line as a youth homelessness charity, Depaul UK are calling for a centralised National Accommodation Service that is known and accessible to all young people throughout the UK, in order to avoid those sleeping rough becoming ‘lost’ in the system this Christmas and beyond.

So what are the problems facing young homeless people this Christmas?

Joining us to discuss this further is Paul Marriot, CEO of youth homelessness charity Depaul UK, and Stephanie Povey a young individual who has experienced homelessness first-hand this year.

. Suggested Questions:

What can you tell us about homelessness, particularly youth homelessness, in our area?

Why do so many young people find themselves homeless at Christmas?

How will the government spending cuts affect the rate of homelessness in the UK?

How can young homeless people get help?

What needs to be done to support the UK’s young and homeless and how can people show their support?

Where can we find out more information?