Post by nickd on Jan 15, 2011 10:33:37 GMT 1
It is being reported on BBC News this morning that the Government has recognised there is a housing crisis which is leading to increasing numbers becoming homeless. It is being said the homelessness figures have risen dramatically. 11,000 put their name down on the register for social housing between July and September 2010. Reasons given for the crisis are the lack of social housing and lack of flexibility by private landlords.
These figures are people, all statistics never truly reflect the severity of a situation, 11,000 people with an unmet need for social housing simply isn't right in this day and age. These are the people who are facing all the difficulties caused by a welfare state which is being squeezed with reductions in benefits and caps on housing benefits. Support for those most in need is collapsing.
The bare minimum these people should have a right to is the right to advice; advice which is necessary to make sure their rights under law are being recognised by Local Authorities.
It beggars belief that Government recognises a crisis which is getting worse; yet seeks to cut the resources which give these people help.
Government recognises unemployment, lack of affordable housing, benefit problems and repossessions as the problems which have lead to crisis, but introduces no constructive measures to deal with any of them.
Shelter have spoken out against these problems. The crisis has received good coverage this morning but today's news will soon be forgotten. It is essential that increasing numbers of homeless people have access to help, currently Legal Aid funds a lot of housing support, without it help will disappear.
These figures are people, all statistics never truly reflect the severity of a situation, 11,000 people with an unmet need for social housing simply isn't right in this day and age. These are the people who are facing all the difficulties caused by a welfare state which is being squeezed with reductions in benefits and caps on housing benefits. Support for those most in need is collapsing.
The bare minimum these people should have a right to is the right to advice; advice which is necessary to make sure their rights under law are being recognised by Local Authorities.
It beggars belief that Government recognises a crisis which is getting worse; yet seeks to cut the resources which give these people help.
Government recognises unemployment, lack of affordable housing, benefit problems and repossessions as the problems which have lead to crisis, but introduces no constructive measures to deal with any of them.
Shelter have spoken out against these problems. The crisis has received good coverage this morning but today's news will soon be forgotten. It is essential that increasing numbers of homeless people have access to help, currently Legal Aid funds a lot of housing support, without it help will disappear.