National and Local Picture of Homelessness George Mansbridge Head of Development Services

Homelessness “Homelessness is about more than rooflessness. A home is not just a physical space, it also has a legal and social dimension. A home provides roots, identity, a sense of belonging and a place of emotional wellbeing. Homelessness is about the loss of all of these. It is an isolating and destructive experience and homeless people are some of the most vulnerable and socially excluded in our society.” (Crisis,

The National Picture

13,570 applicants were accepted as homeless between 1 October and 31 December Increase of 3% from the previous quarter. 53,450 applicants accepted as homeless within the calendar year (up 10%). Main reason for loss of a settled home in London was the ending of an assured short-hold tenancy. Bed and breakfast placements of young people (16 and 17 year olds) had reduced by 14% from the previous year. The number of households in Bed and Breakfast accommodation in London has increased by 35%.

The National Picture Of the number of accepted homeless applicants nationally, 30% (4,130) received help to stay in their homes while awaiting the provision of alternative accommodation. Of all those accepted 61% ( 8,220) were placed in some form of temporary accommodation.

South Tyneside Demographics 60,000 Households in South Tyneside Home to 150,000 people The borough covers 64 square kilometres In 2010 the borough had improved from the 27 th most deprived Local Authority to the 52 nd most deprived in England

Local Picture 50% increase in housing applications in the previous year (from 2010/11). 33% of those presenting as homeless were between the age of % (253) of all households accepted as homeless had or were expecting dependent children. In 2011/12, 27 households were placed in Bed and Breakfast accommodation. In 2011/12, 58 homeowners benefitted from advice that helped them remain in their homes.

Legislative and Policy Changes Southwark Ruling in May 2009 – who has responsibility for homeless 16 and 17 year olds. A ‘Joint Protocol for Homeless 16 and 17 Year Olds’ has been developed setting out how housing services and children’s services should work together with third sector partners to provide a joined-up approach. Localism Act 2011 – allowed for homeless duty to be discharged by allocating suitable private-rented accommodation. Welfare Reform Act 2012 introduced under occupancy charge (bedroom tax) in April (3,500 households in the borough could potentially be affected).

Legislative and Policy Changes Making Every Contact Count – the Government set 10 local challenges 1.Adopt a corporate commitment to prevent homelessness which has buy-in across all Local Authority services 2.Actively work in partnership with voluntary sector and other local partners t address support, education, employment and training 3.Offer a Housing Options Prevention Service to all clients including written advice 4.Adopt a ‘No Second Night Out Model’ or an effective local alternative 5.Have agreed housing pathways with each key partner an client group 6.Develop suitable private rented sector offer for all client groups, including advice and support to both client and landlord.

Legislative and Policy Changes 7. Actively engage in preventing mortgage repossessions including the through the Mortgage Rescue Scheme. 8.Have a Homelessness Strategy which sets out a proactive approach to preventing homelessness and is reviewed annually to be responsive to emerging needs. 9.Not to place any young person in bed and breakfast accommodation. 10.Not to place any families in Bed and Breakfast accommodation unless in an emergency and for no longer than 6 weeks.

Summary Homelessness attracts higher physical and mental health risks and higher mortality rates than the general population. A multi-agency approach is required which focuses on prevention and support within tenancies and other accommodation.

Questions? National and Local Picture of Homelessness George Mansbridge Head of Development Services