Delayed Universal Credit payments blamed for contributing to youth homelessness

Welfare reforms are contributing to homelessness among 16 to 24-year-olds by affecting their ability to access and sustain housing, a charity has warned.

According to a survey by Homeless Link, a charity that works with rough sleepers, 92% of respondents identified delayed Universal Credit payments as having an impact on youth homelessness.

The survey, part of the charity’s Young and Homeless 2018 report, questioned 79 local authorities and 109 youth homelessness service providers, as well as a handful of young people sleeping rough in England.

The report found that while family breakdown remains the main cause of homelessness among the young, making up 49% of cases among those in the sample, structural factors including changes to benefit entitlement is a significant contributory factor.

The survey also found that the Local Housing Allowance (LHA) cap is having a negative effect.

Homeless Link’s chief executive, Rick Henderson, said: “The picture of youth homelessness is extremely concerning, and there is clear evidence that systemic issues such as welfare reform and the housing crisis are worsening the situation.

“While youth homelessness charities and councils are working hard to successfully support many young people away from homelessness, more needs to be done.

“It is vital that we focus on preventing homelessness among vulnerable young people, and that those who do become homeless are able to get the support they need.”

According to the charity, 55% of homelessness agencies recorded an increase in demand for their services over the past year, and 45% believed there had been an increase in young men sleeping rough.

More than a quarter (28%) of young people accessing services over the last 12 months were aged only 16 or 17.

A Government spokesman said: “Everyone deserves a safe place to live and we have already implemented a range of measures to tackle homelessness that have been welcomed by charities. We have introduced the Homelessness Reduction Act, made housing benefit available for 18 to 21-year-olds on Universal Credit and brought in extra rent support for people moving from housing benefit to UC.

“The Government is providing over £1.2 billion up to 2020 to reduce all forms of homelessness and we are investing in a Fair Chance Programme to support 18 to 25-year-olds with specific needs to help them find suitable accommodation and support.”

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