YMCA England backs today’s damning critique of government homelessness policy, published by the Communities and Local Government (CLG) Committee. The CLG report into homelessness highlights the increased demand for local authority homelessness services over recent years, the patchwork support available across the country and the terrible impact suffered by those not in priority need who are unsupported or turned away until their situation becomes extreme.
Denise Hatton, Chief Executive of YMCA England, the national council of 133 YMCAs across England and Wales, said: “This report states clearly that the policies and funding cuts of successive governments have been a catalyst for the further entrenchment of young people in homelessness.
“Our staff and volunteers work day-to-day with young people, supporting them through welfare reform and homelessness policy but this has become increasingly difficult in recent years. Due to a lack of housebuilding, high rents and increased deposit demands, the private rented sector has become an unscalable four walls for young people, who are more often than not priced out of independence.
“As such, we support the introduction of further homelessness policy, through the Homelessness Reduction Bill 2016-17 and urge the Government to support the legislation. Without this crucial intervention, local authorities and charities such as YMCA, will continue to struggle to meet the demand of those young people reaching out for help every day.”
YMCA England is the national council of YMCAs across England and Wales. With just under 11,000 beds, YMCA is the largest voluntary sector provider of supported accommodation to homeless young people in England and Wales.