Thousands of vulnerable, young people across the UK could be made homeless if proposed Housing Benefit cuts are introduced in full, according to major new research by youth charity, YMCA.
Uncertain Futures is released today in response to Government plans to alter the benefits system for 18 to 21-year-olds. The changes proposed would include removing the automatic entitlement to Housing Benefit for those young people who find themselves out of work and claiming Universal Credit.
This report seeks to challenge some of the assumptions underpinning this policy and shed light on the types of young people who may be adversely affected by these reforms when they are introduced in April 2017.
YMCA researchers say that contrary to the perceptions of many, increasing numbers of young people are now staying at home for longer and opting not to claim benefits, while the small numbers who do move out and claim are increasingly doing so for shorter periods of time.
Based on an examination of those young people currently claiming unemployment and housing benefits, the research identifies that, without the right protections, the Government is in danger of exposing many of the most vulnerable young people to the risk of becoming homeless.
Among the 19,000 18 to 21-year-olds currently claiming unemployment and housing benefits, there are a number of vulnerable young people including:
- those who have dependent children to look after (2,100 18 to 21-year-olds claiming JSA and Housing Benefit have at least one dependent child)
- those who have recently left care (7,200 young care leavers between 19 and 21 years old are currently out of work and would potentially be eligible to claim JSA and Housing Benefit)
- those who are homeless (last year between 5,800 and 6,400 18 to 21-year-olds were identified by local authorities as being homeless and in priority need)
- those in supported accommodation (nearly 1,400 18 to 21-year-olds currently living in YMCA accommodation claim both JSA and Housing Benefit).
Denise Hatton, Chief Executive of YMCA England, said: “As the report we launched today shows, in seeking to tackle those small numbers taking advantage of the system, the Government is in real danger of inadvertently taking away support from some of the country’s most vulnerable young people.
“In removing automatic entitlement to Housing Benefit, young people could face the prospect of losing not only a safety net but also a springboard that helps get them up and get their lives back on track.
“Unless firm and clear exemptions are put in place, thousands of young people who don’t have the option to go home will be left to face uncertain futures.”
Sam, from Grimsby, is just one example of the type of young person at YMCA who could be affected in the future if Housing Benefit was removed in full for all 18 to 21-year-olds.
Sam, who was privately educated, went to YMCA after suffering from mental health issues following the breakup of his parents’ marriage.
He said: “What about the people who have no choice, what about the people who have got nowhere to go but places like YMCA?
“It’s a roof over your head, which for most people, is only payable with the help of Housing Benefit. Without Housing Benefit there would be a lot more people on the streets”
There are currently 113 YMCAs across England, operating in 560 different locations. Last year, YMCAs in England provided 9,831 beds predominantly to young, homeless people. These beds range from emergency accommodation for young rough sleepers to supporting accommodation and move-on beds for those hoping to enter private renting.
In addition, YMCA helps almost 43,000 people to engage in education, skills and training every year.
To read the report, click here.
ENDS
For interviews or more information, please speak to Andrew Mortimer, YMCA England Media Manager, at Andrew.mortimer@england.ymca.org.uk or call 020 7186 9543.
Jason Stacey, Director of Policy, Research and Communications at YMCA England, discusses the impact of removing automatic entitlement to Housing Benefit for 18 to 21-year-olds