13 December 2024. The homelessness crisis in the UK, as one of the richest countries in the world. is reaching terrifying highs, British citizens work but can no longer pay their rent, disabled individuals are the most vulnerable to experiencing homelessness and those living in the streets are judged and abused. The lack of social housing, truly affordable housing, and the “Cost of Living Crisis” have pushed many in desperate situations.
What does it mean to be “legally homeless in the UK”?
The Housing Act 1996 (Section 175, HA 1996) defines a person homeless as follow:
A person is homeless if he has no accommodation available for his occupation, in the United Kingdom or elsewhere, which he—
(a)is entitled to occupy by virtue of an interest in it or by virtue of an order of a court,
(b)has an express or implied licence to occupy, or
(c)occupies as a residence by virtue of any enactment or rule of law giving him the right to remain in occupation or restricting the right of another person to recover possession.
(2)A person is also homeless if he has accommodation but—
(a)he cannot secure entry to it, or
(b)it consists of a moveable structure, vehicle or vessel designed or adapted for human habitation and there is no place where he is entitled or permitted both to place it and to reside in it.
Someone does not have to be sleeping outside to be “legally homeless.”
Types of homelessness:
Seeing individuals sleeping rough is only the tip of the iceberg, and the most dangerous type of homelessness. There are a lot of “hidden homelessness” All are devastating to experience. Most individuals are not aware of the following types of homelessness:
- Temporary accommodations, such as shelters. Women refuges, B&Bs, hostels
- Supported accommodations for those with severe mental or/ and physical debilitating illnesses.
- Sofa surfing.
- Living in a mobile home or a vehicle.
The number of families living in temporary accommodation, often far from friends and support network, overcrowded and with high Health &Safety issues, is at its highest. They can stay in those accommodations for years, waiting in poor conditions for a place they can call home.
In one of its recent news release; Shelter shares its helpline data - Shelter warns of spiralling crisis as every second call to its emergency helpline is from someone facing homelessness:
- Over half of all callers (55%) are homeless or at risk of homelessness - up 10% on 2020 levels.
- Of these, more than one in three (35%) are families with children - up 12%in the last four years.
- The number of single mothers in need of housing support has more than doubled in this same time – up from 5% in 2020 to 13%.
- Almost half (49%) of calls is from people struggling with housing costs – up by 14% since the pandemic and cost-of-living crisis began.
This data clearly shows the devastating situations UK citizens are going through. The reality might be even more disastrous for many.
Causes of homelessness:
Contrary to popular myths people become homeless for reasons out of their control, after all, a working wage now, no longer guarantees being able to afford the rent. The constant worry of meeting financial responsibility creates stress; stress, in turn, creates mental and physical illnesses. Adult children of severe abused, who are now struggling physically and mentally, will have a harder time to find or to keep work, or even to just being able to work, which increases their chances of experiencing homelessness.
- Severe chronic and limiting mental health illnesses.
- Teenagers, young adults kicked out of abusive family home or, out of care after reaching 18 years old.
- Chronic and incapacitating physical disability.
- Fleeing Domestic Abuse/ Violence
- Sudden unemployment
- Relationship breakdown – divorce, separation
- Cost of Living Crisis – for many, wages do not cover rent prices anymore
The devastating effects of homelessness:
The effects of homelessness are many and often linked.
- Mental and emotional distress/ mental illnesses: losing one’s home, and, sometimes, one’s pet, to move in temporary housing, for instance, is highly stressful: these accommodations are busy, far from adequate.
- Physical illnesses: stress can create autoimmune system illnesses, pain and discomfort.
Sleeping outside in extreme weather conditions has an adverse effect on bodies.
- Abuse: those sleeping rough are often abused and assaulted – especially women.
- Isolation: because of prejudices and lack of understanding, individuals experiencing homelessness are often isolated.
Contrary to what it is said, homelessness is not a lifestyle choice. The homelessness crisis in the UK is ever increasing. Having a warm and safe place to call home needs to become a basic human right and need. If government wants its citizens to thrive, it needs to build housing affordable to all.
The Way Forward: Solutions for a Compassionate Society
Taxpayers Against Poverty (TAP) is championing three pillars for a fairer, more inclusive society:
Adequate Minimum Income: Every individual deserves a living wage that ensures they can afford necessities like food, housing, and heating.
Truly Affordable Housing: An urgent investment in social housing for the vulnerable and affordable homes for working people is critical.
Accessible Health and Social Care: Free, high-quality healthcare for physical and mental health must be a right, not a privilege.
These solutions are ambitious but achievable. A compassionate society begins with ensuring everyone has a warm, safe place to call home and their basic needs met.
Our Role in Creating Change
We cannot wait for someone else to act. It’s time to demand better for the millions struggling in poverty—and for the millions more living one unexpected expense away from it.
Join us in advocating for a compassionate, fairer society. Here’s how you can help:
Speak Up: Contact your MP and demand investment in social care, living wages, and affordable housing.
Get Involved: Volunteer or donate to organisations like TAP that fight for systemic change.
Stay Informed: Follow TAP’s work and share their message to build awareness.
Together, we can create a society where no one is left behind. Let’s make compassion the cornerstone of our nation’s future.
Sylvie Rouhani Deputy Editor, Taxpayers Against Poverty
December 2024