Homelessness Increases In Warrington

New figures show more households in Warrington were estimated to be homeless at the start of this year, reports the Warrington Guardian.

Homelessness charity Shelter said the time for “empty words” on housebuilding was long passed and called on the Government to act. Across England, the homelessness figures hit an all-time high, with 79,840 households having faced homelessness in the first quarter of the year. Of those, 6,440 were because of a Section 21 “no-fault” eviction, which allows landlords to evict a tenant with just two months’ notice, without having to give a reason.

In May, the Government published its Renters (Reform) Bill to ban no-fault evictions and introduce greater protections for renters. However, the bill has failed to make any progress through Parliament since. Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) figures show 210 households in Warrington were estimated to be homeless and were owed a relief duty, which requires housing authorities to help them secure accommodation. This was up from 136 the year before. There were also 269 households threatened with homelessness and owed a prevention duty, 67 of whom faced losing their home after receiving a Section 21 notice to end an Assured Shorthold Tenancy.

Housing charity Shelter has estimated 172 families are served with an eviction notice every day while the bill is delayed. There were 88 single parents and 42 couples with dependent children homeless in Warrington between January and March. Polly Neate, chief executive of Shelter, said: “With record numbers of people becoming homeless, the time for empty words on building social homes and overdue promises on ending no fault evictions has long passed. No-fault evictions are fuelling homelessness and throwing thousands of families’ lives into turmoil.” In Warrington, 2.3 per 100,000 people were estimated to be homeless. The national average currently stands at 1.8 people.

A DLUHC spokesperson said: “We are determined to prevent homelessness before it occurs. Temporary accommodation ensures no family is without a roof over their head and we have been clear that its use is always a last resort. That’s why we have given £2 billion over three years to help local authorities tackle homelessness and rough sleeping, targeted to areas where it is needed most.” Those aged 25-34 made up the biggest group of rough sleepers, with 23,770 of them living on the streets of England.

Warrington Borough Council has issued a statement. A spokesman said: “Homelessness is a growing, national crisis, undoubtedly impacted by the cost of living and current economic situation and the lack of available social housing within the borough. Our priority is, and will always be, protecting our most vulnerable. We are committed to providing the right support and are working with our partners to help people who are homeless or sleeping rough.

“We have commissioned services at James Lee House, Museum Street and Haven House as well as a young person’s offer at Verve Place to support people who are at risk of homelessness and rough sleeping. We also commission Your Housing Group’s Vulnerable Tenants Support Service who have developed a rough sleeper outreach team.”

If you are concerned about anyone rough sleeping, the service can be contacted by email.