27.01.14
Young people facing homelessness
Councils are reporting a lack of accommodation for young people in their area, a new report by Homeless Link warns.
Of the young people approaching councils with homelessness applications, 44% said that their parents were no longer willing to house them. The government has proposed scrapping housing benefit for under-25s.
A survey of councils and homelessness charities found that 68% reported a lack of accommodation for young people in their area, with 43% forced to use B&B accommodation.
Rick Henderson, chief executive of Homeless Link, said: “It is vital that young people, at the most important time of their lives, are given the support they need to realise their potential and enjoy a bright future.
“For many, staying at home is simply not an option and these people need a helping hand, not an additional hurdle. That is why we are questioning the proposal to remove housing benefit for under-25s.
“A severe shortage of affordable housing and the highest levels of youth unemployment in nearly 20 years mean many young people face significant barriers to achieving their goals. We are calling on the government to invest in their futures by ensuring the support is in place to make sure they have somewhere safe to call home.”
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