15.12.2025 17:35
The high cost of housing in the UK and the government's freeze on housing benefit is exacerbating the homelessness problem. The charity Shelter reported that 382,618 people, including 175,000 children, are experiencing housing issues in the country.
The rising housing costs in England and the government's freeze on housing rental assistance are exacerbating the homelessness crisis day by day. The England-based organization Shelter, which provides housing support to the homeless, reported based on government statistics that 382,618 people, including 175,000 children, are experiencing housing issues in the country.
INCREASE IN TEMPORARY HOUSING AND LIVING ON THE STREETS
The report highlighted a significant increase in the number of people forced to sleep on the streets and those living in temporary accommodation. According to this, 350,480 people are staying in temporary addresses provided by local authorities, which constitutes more than 90% of the homeless in the country. In this context, it was reported that 84,240 households are classified as homeless.
THOUSANDS ARE SHELTERING ON THEIR OWN
The Shelter report indicated that 7,146 people are staying in temporary accommodation on their own means, while 4,667 people are forced to sleep on the streets every night. Additionally, it was noted that 16,294 people are housed in hotels and guesthouses, and 4,031 people are accommodated in facilities provided by social services.
CENTRAL LONDON
According to the report, more than half of the homeless in England are located in the capital, London. Shelter claimed that 1 in every 45 people in the city is homeless, while emphasizing that the problem is not limited to the capital.
"THIS SCENARIO IS UNTHINKABLE IN WINTER MONTHS"
Shelter Director Sarah Elliot stated that the homelessness issue is on the rise nationwide, saying, "It is unthinkable that more than 382,000 people do not have a safe place they can call 'home' during the winter season. Every day, we hear stories of parents who fear spending another winter in uncertainty while applying for temporary accommodation."
Elliot called on the government to end the freeze on housing rental assistance.
GOVERNMENT'S £3.5 BILLION PLAN
The Labour Party government in England announced on December 11 that the "National Plan to End Homelessness," which aims to halve the number of homeless people by 2029, has come into effect.
The plan aims to prevent individuals discharged from hospitals or released from prisons from becoming homeless by losing their homes. In this regard, it was announced that £3.5 billion would be allocated over three years, and it was stated that public institutions, mayors, and local governments would work in collaboration.