UK: response to new homelessness figures

Responding to the Government's latest quarterly statutory homelessness figures, Jen Clark, Economic and Social Rights Lead at Amnesty International UK, said: 

“Homelessness is a fundamental human rights issue that should concern us all.

“Continued rises in the numbers of people facing, or at risk of, homelessness has become a grim status quo in the UK.

“Additionally alarming is the lack of acknowledgment from policymakers that we are in the midst of a devastating homelessness crisis, which is underpinned by repeated and systemic failures to protect our human rights.

“Whilst the Government have been quick to address the emergency in our criminal justice system, economic instability, and the Rwanda policy, there has rightly been a commitment to swift action. With homelessness figures at the highest since records began, where is the similar resolve for swift action?

“Moves to increase housing supply or affordability is welcome but with winter on the horizon the Government can’t afford to wait for new buildings to protect people.

“The Government must urgently deliver and implement a crisis action plan to address homelessness, including the appalling quality of emergency and temporary accommodation, which leaves people trapped, inadequate hostel systems, limited access to adequate healthcare, and children’s health perilously affected as a result of political choices.

“In the first three months of 2024, over 86,000 people needed help to prevent or relieve homelessness. In this same time period there were an astounding 151,630 children living in temporary accommodation, an increase of 15%.

“We urge policymakers to tackle the crisis swiftly in collaboration with those with lived experience.

“Sadly, many individuals can demonstrate how the erosion of our everyday rights has left them without a safety net. Our new Government must make homelessness history.”