Homeless People Stuck In Limbo

People stuck in homeless accommodation are left in limbo as finding affordable private rental homes feels impossible, reports Property118.

A report by independent researcher Becky Rice on behalf of charity Commonweal Housing reveals many homeless people are unable to leave their homeless accommodation due to the rising costs of rent. A 2022 survey by the homelessness charity Homeless Link found that more than 40% of people in homeless accommodation were ready to move on but unable to due to a lack of affordable options.

Data from the largest shelter provider in London shows that the number of clients it has moved into the PRS has decreased by almost half (43%) over the last three years, despite growing demand for these services. The report shows that without a smooth transition from services like hostels and shelters, a backlog has formed. This means those needing help can’t get in and are left sleeping rough.

According to Homeless Link, in 2022, more than two-thirds of services had to turn people away due to capacity issues. Interviewees in the report shared a range of concerns, with many feeling trapped and desperate. They described the lack of access to private rental housing for those ready to move on as “deeply traumatising”. Some respondents described available PRS accommodation as “hovels,” which were cramped and lacking basic amenities like a shower or a table.

Commonweal Housing urges the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government (MHCLG) to prioritise creating a fairer, more accessible private rental sector (PRS) as a key step in ending rough sleeping.   The charity also recommends the Department for Work and Pensions should expand programs that help people move from supported housing into jobs, allowing them to save for a deposit and secure private rental homes.

Ashley Horsey, chief executive at Commonweal Housing, said: “While much has been said about the private rental market these past two years, particularly from the perspective of ‘Generation Rent’, next-to-nothing is being said or done for those who cannot rent. Their access to independent housing, employment, and a fresh start is denied often by no fault of their own. Before any new legislation starts its passage through Parliament, those living on the margins and forgotten before must be given centre stage.”

They added: “The solutions to the problems that Becky Rice has highlighted and so powerfully articulated by those working with and struggling in this broken system can and must be addressed. We now call on colleagues in the sector and across policy to bring forward a coordinated and cross-departmental set of measures to ensure that everyone can access work, and a safe, secure and affordable home.”