There has been a huge 165% increase in rough sleeping since the Conservatives took power in 2010, official figures last counted from in 2019 – but in reality with many people slipping through the net – many not being counted today (because of government cutbacks and the fact they just don’t care) homeless charities claim the number is much higher, possibly double the figures given.
With also local authorities estimated around 4,700 people slept rough on a single night last autumn, according to data from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
However, homeless charities have slammed the government for not being open about the ‘full size of the problem’ and not including ‘hidden homeless people’ in unsafe accommodations.
Zarah Sultana MP has been working hard to do what she can regarding homelessness saying, “This isn’t inevitable. It’s the result of political choices from a cruel Conservative government. “
Zarah goes on – “Last night I had the privilege of attending @CoventryCrisis‘s Christmas Carol Service, where I pledged my commitment to end homelessness.”
Centrepoint said their research shows over 100,000 16-24 year olds ‘asked their council for help last year because they were homeless or at risk’.
Chartered Institute of Housing deputy chief executive Gavin Smart said: ‘It is frankly unacceptable that thousands of people are being forced to sleep on our streets – and the fact that this number has soared by 165 per cent since 2010 should shame us all.
‘These statistics are a stark reminder of the suffering at the very sharpest end of our national housing crisis. And we must remember that they are partly based on estimates, so the true figure could be even higher.
See also – military veterans homeless in the UK statistics
Notes taken from www.crisis.org.uk
