Homelessness soars in England due to sky-high rents and asylum backlog crackdown
Homelessness in England has reached alarming levels, driven by rising private rents, an increase in no-fault evictions, and a backlog of asylum claims. Over 358,000 households faced the loss of their homes last year, a 10% increase from the previous year. The housing crisis, already strained by record-high rents, has been worsened by the government’s approach to asylum seekers. Critics argue that those left in limbo while awaiting asylum decisions are being unfairly blamed for homelessness pressures, which are mainly due to rental market issues.
The latest statistics reflect local councils’ growing difficulties in providing adequate housing, especially with private landlords continuing to evict tenants who cannot keep up with escalating rent prices. In addition, landlords are increasingly using Section 21 “no-fault” evictions, forcing many into homelessness. The government’s handling of the housing crisis has faced criticism from multiple fronts, with some saying that the treatment of asylum seekers is exacerbating an already fragile situation.
Labour has identified this issue as central to its housing policy, with proposals that include expanding homebuilding initiatives and reforming housing laws. Their plan focuses on increasing the stock of affordable homes while tackling the root causes of rising rents. However, activists and homelessness charities argue that immediate action is needed to stem the flow of families and individuals into precarious living situations.
The article highlights the pressures facing the housing system and the broader impact of governmental policies on vulnerable populations. The current crisis reflects broader concerns around housing affordability, the treatment of asylum seekers, and the overall support for those facing homelessness in England.
Read the original Big Issue article here.
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