One in 38 people in Southwark will be homeless this Christmas, shocking new research from Shelter has revealed. The charity’s latest figures show that Southwark has the ninth highest ratio of homeless people in the country, with approximately 3,500 children currently experiencing homelessness in the borough, making up 40% of the total homeless population.
The report estimates that nationwide, over 354,000 individuals are homeless, including 161,500 children. Polly Neate, chief executive of Shelter, expressed disbelief at the thought of so many people spending the winter without a home, forced to endure the cold streets or substandard hostel rooms with their families.
The rise in homelessness by 44,500 individuals in just one year can be attributed to skyrocketing private rents, increasing evictions, and a severe shortage of affordable social housing. Neate highlighted the struggles of parents who worry about their children growing up in cramped temporary accommodations, with no secure home to call their own for extended periods.
In Southwark, the Liberal Democrats found that 61% of homeless households with children have been living in temporary accommodation for more than two years, exceeding the national average of 45%. Shockingly, one in four homeless households with children in the borough have been waiting for a permanent home for over five years, emphasizing the severity of the housing crisis.
Cllr Victor Chamberlain, Leader of the Opposition for the Liberal Democrats, condemned the situation in Southwark, attributing the crisis to the failure to construct enough social and affordable housing. He stressed the importance of every individual having a safe, affordable, and secure home, expressing dismay at the high levels of homelessness, especially during the holiday season.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government acknowledged the grim reality of the homelessness crisis, asserting their commitment to addressing the issue with a £1 billion funding allocation to support homelessness services. They emphasized the need to construct more social and affordable housing as part of their strategy to combat homelessness.
As the community grapples with this pressing issue, Southwark council’s response remains pending. The picture painted by the statistics is bleak, underscoring the urgent need for decisive action to provide stable housing for all individuals in need.
