Good morning. In 2019, the Conservative government pledged to end homelessness and rough sleeping by 2024 – a noble goal. But with the next election fast approaching, there is no indication that this target will be achieved. In fact, the problem is getting worse.
The Guardian’s social policy editor, Patrick Butler, reported yesterday that homeless people who are living in hostels and supported homes in England will probably be pushed back on to the street because shelters have been forced to reduce their services in the face of rising energy costs and underfunded council contracts. This is happening during a cost of living crisis that has forced more people into poverty, and left them choosing between paying rent and buying basic necessities such as food. The number of tenants served with section 21 “no-fault” eviction notices soared by 76% last year, even though the government pledged to ban no-fault evictions in 2019.
