How the 2023 Budget fails to combat homelessness

The Spring Budget announcement by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt MP on 15th March 2023 has dealt a heavy blow to the UK’s homelessness sector, as it fails to offer sufficient support for individuals at risk of or experiencing homelessness.

Despite widespread calls from organisations to increase the Local Housing Allowance, the government chose not to include this critical proposal in their latest budget. The omission of this crucial support raises serious concerns about the government’s commitment to combating homelessness and protecting the most vulnerable in society. Without significant action and investment, the issue of homelessness will continue to escalate, leaving many people in desperate situations and without a safe place to call home.

Responding to the Spring Budget, Amanda Dubarry, Chief Executive at Your Place, said:

“As the number of people experiencing homelessness in Newham continues to rise, the government’s latest budget announcement falls short of what’s needed to address the crisis. With services across the sector at risk of shutting down and people left with no place to go, urgent action is needed to prevent a catastrophic outcome. The current approach is failing, and it’s time for the government to take bold steps, such as unfreezing housing benefit and investing in support services.

“The government’s failure to provide specific support for those at risk is concerning, and raises questions about their commitment to people experiencing homelessness. While the £100million fund is a step in the right direction, it falls short of what’s needed to keep people in their homes. We cannot let this crisis continue to escalate – the time for action is now.”