The Big Issue has revealed that if the Government doesn’t act to tackle the full £360million in rent debt now, it could cost them a further £2,234,025,000 later.
Big problem Stop mass homelessness The campaign (SMASSH) is calling on the Government to tackle the £360m in rent debt accumulated during the pandemic, arguing this could save them more than £2bn in the future.
Using a study published in 2016 from the Crisis charity called ‘Better than Cure?’, The Big Issue has shown that it costs the Government £9,266 per homeless person, while the price of preventing homelessness is just £2,263.
Big Issue used research from Citizens Advice that found half a million renters owed rent during the pandemic, resulting in rent debt of £360 million, along with data from a survey A YouGov poll conducted by StepChange, of 225,000 people out of half a million, told the debt charity they were “probably” or “likely” to lose their home.
This means that, for every 225,000 tenants at risk of homelessness, averting this scenario could save £2.6 billion – around £2.2 billion more than paying £360 million in debt now.
The Big Issue kicked off the Stop Mass Homelessness campaign earlier this summer, warning of a pending homeless crisis. Since then, many of the important protective measures taken by the Government during the pandemic have been halted.
The eviction moratorium was ended in May and June in England and Wales, boom plans ended at the end of September, while Universal Credit was cut by £20, leaving claimants with damages. around £1,000 per year. All this comes at a time when energy prices are also skyrocketing and price caps rise by £139. As winter approaches, many people are faced with the choice between keeping warm and putting food on the table.
There are already signs that more people are losing their homes. Justice Department figures last week revealed that nearly 5,000 landowners’ properties took place across England and Wales between July and September.
Big problem worked together with PLMRAlex Hackett’s Chief Digital Officer, to create a tool to find out how many people are at risk of homelessness in their area and how the numbers have changed throughout the pandemic. The tool also offers specific calls to action on how you can support the Stop Mass Homelessness campaign.
Lord John Bird, Founder of The Big Issue, said: “The cost of Mass Homelessness is too great to pay both financially and socially. These numbers are staggering but show how important it is for us to act now to avert this crisis. We could not only save the Government and taxpayers more than £2 billion, but also prevent the 225,000 people potentially experiencing the horrific mental and physical costs of homelessness. bring.
“For the legacy of Covid-19 being a mass homeless crisis would be unforgivable. Now is the time to make sure that doesn’t happen – we urge the Government to stop Mass Homelessness and tackle £360m in rent debt now, or face a crisis. The homeless crisis is worse than any living memory. ”
To stem the new wave of homeless households, The Big Issue has three key Government requirements:
- Solve £360m in rent debt and provide extra support to help those unable to pay their rent or mortgage due to Covid-19.
- Terminate without error.
- Provide employment and training in sustainable industries.
To sign the petition and learn more about The Big Issue’s campaign to prevent mass homeless visits www.bigissue.com/stop-mass-homelessness
