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Housing office closures are ‘risking lives’ of homeless people, charities warn
The closure of housing offices is leaving people in danger of homelessness with nowhere to go and will “undoubtedly put lives at risk”, according to leading homelessness charities.
More than 30 homelessness charities have written to the prime minister calling for direct talks and for an urgent package of financial support for homelessness accommodation services as the sector approaches a “crisis point”.
The charities, including Centrepoint, Depaul, St Mungo’s and Homeless Link, warn they will become overwhelmed if the government doesn’t act.
Seyi Obakin, chief executive of national youth homelessness charity Centrepoint, warned that it is already hearing reports of housing offices closing, which is “leaving those who face homelessness, including those being made homeless as a direct result of coronavirus, with nowhere to go to seek support”.
He added: “This is unsustainable and will undoubtedly put lives at risk. The government must provide local authorities with advice on how to safely keep these functions running during the pandemic.”
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The charities called on the government to provide financial support and assistance to local authorities and third sector providers to provide secure self-contained housing to meet the increased need of rough sleepers and residents in supported housing for whom self-isolation is not a feasible option.
They said councils should receive support to enable them to continue to carry out their housing role effectively so homeless people or people at risk of becoming homeless are not left without immediate advice and support – as legally entitled.
They also called for the government to:
- Provide an urgent package of financial support for homelessness accommodation services, for example by mirroring the grants available to businesses
- Make block payments of housing benefit to homelessness accommodation providers
- Ensure all homelessness accommodation service providers have personal protection equipment, including thermometers and access to testing facilities
- Make sure all homelessness service providers can access emergency self-contained accommodation, allowing service users to safely self-isolate where necessary
- Provide support and resourcing needed to ensure all local authority homelessness services remain open
- Deliver welfare reform which protects against hardship and increased risk of homelessness
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