DEMAND THE GOVERNMENT BUILDS MORE SOCIAL HOUSING
The Government has released figures revealing that the number of people sleeping on the streets has fallen by 2%.
However, some cities such as London and Manchester have seen a rise and while numbers have gone down nationally, they are still 165% higher than in 2010.
Newham, where we are based, remains in the top ten boroughs in the country for rough sleeping, having increased by 4% since the count last year.
Amanda Dubarry, Chief Executive of Caritas Anchor House, said, “One person sleeping rough is too many, and more must be done to ensure people are not risking their lives just by bedding down for the night.
“Our recently launched Rough Sleepers Hub is helping to provide a home and comfort to people sleeping rough in our borough, but as the numbers increase and the government’s comprehensive spending review is looming, they must think seriously about investment in social housing.
“The number of social homes being built is at its lowest for 70 years, and we face a chronic lack of housing that people can afford. Right now, we have a unique opportunity for change and we must take it.”
The government spending review is one of the biggest opportunities for decades and will determine whether funding is made available for new social homes.
Right now is our once-in-a-generation chance. We must act and put pressure on the government to commit to the social housing we so desperately need. Sign Shelter’s petition here.
