Hard times
News that the number of people sleeping rough on England’s streets has continued to increase will come as little surprise.
On top of this, the number of households presenting as homeless to councils is, at 107,240, the highest level since 2008. Depressingly, the prediction by charity Crisis this week that things are set to worsen looks unavoidable.
As we report in our procurement special this week, legal aid cuts are having a devastating effect on homelessness advice services. When arguably the best-known housing organisation of them all, Shelter, shuts 10 advice centres, removing 40 per cent of its front line advisors, you know you are in for a rough ride. Bristol Council has struck a worrying warning note by considering cutting funding for homelessness prevention services. There are two reasons for optimism, however: the deals to build thousands of homes being struck in Kent and by Pontypridd-based RCT Homes. Now for others to follow their lead.
