Why homelessness

Why homelessness

​As of December 2024, at least 354,000 people in England were homeless, including 161,500 children. This figure represents a 14% increase from the previous year. Additionally, rough sleeping has surged, with 4,667 individuals sleeping rough on a single night in Autumn 2024, marking a 20% rise from the previous year and a 91% increase since 2021. ​Shelter EnglandThe Centre for Social Justice

Causes of Homelessness in the UK

Homelessness in the UK stems from a combination of structural, economic, and personal factors:

  • Lack of Affordable Housing: A chronic shortage of social housing has left millions without access to secure and permanent homes at affordable rents. ​Financial Times+2Shelter England+2Latest news & breaking headlines+2

  • Inadequate Housing Benefit: Real-term cuts to housing benefits have made it difficult for individuals to afford private rents, pushing many towards homelessness. ​Shelter England

  • Insecure Private Tenancies: Evictions from privately rented homes, especially 'no-fault' evictions under Section 21, are a leading cause of homelessness. ​Latest news & breaking headlines+2Shelter England+2SHP+2

  • Poverty and Unemployment: The cost-of-living crisis has led to wages no longer covering essential living costs like rent, food, and energy bills, increasing the risk of homelessness. ​New Horizon Youth Centre

  • Discrimination and Inequality: Certain groups, including ethnic minorities, refugees, and individuals with disabilities, face higher risks due to systemic inequalities and discrimination in the housing market. ​Shelter England

  • Personal Circumstances: Factors such as mental health issues, substance abuse, domestic violence, and family breakdowns contribute to individual cases of homelessness. ​

In London, the situation is particularly acute, with one person becoming homeless every 8.5 minutes. ​

Addressing homelessness requires a multifaceted approach, including increasing the supply of affordable housing, reforming housing benefits, and providing targeted support to vulnerable populations.