Plan for the 136k

In 2022-23, 135,800 16–25-year-olds presented at their local authority as homeless or at risk of homelessness (Centrepoint). Many young people are “hidden homeless” not showing up in the data, so this figure could easily be double. With COVID and the cost-of-living crisis, it’s getting worse.

At New Horizon Youth Centre we have seen a 32% increase in young people using our services in the year 2022-2021 compared with 2019-2020.

Far too many young people in the UK find themselves unhoused, unsupported and unsafe.

In delivering our work to support young people experiencing homelessness, we find they face the same barriers time and time again:

They are often invisible to authorities and services.

They can’t evidence their homelessness.

They are often not seen as a priority need, or believed.

They don’t know what support is available.

They are subject to age-related pay discrimination.

They receive reduced welfare benefits.

There is a lack of supply of suitable, affordable housing for young people.

They face systematic racism and discrimination.

They face a higher risk of exploitation.

54% of people who are currently sleeping rough reported experiencing homelessness for the first time when under the age of 25; and 48% experienced rough sleeping for the first time before this age. (Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, 2020)

Only 33% of the 136k young people who presented as homeless or at risk at their local authority in 2022/23 had a positive outcome – meaning their homelessness was successfully prevented or relieved. 63% fell through the cracks; the negative impact on the health, education and employment prospects of young people without a home are extreme. (Centrepoint)

Young people’s experiences of homelessness are different from other age groups, so solutions need to be different, and they need to be informed by lived experience. Young people have so far been systemically overlooked in local and national homelessness and housing strategies.

Therefore, it is essential for government to adopt a cross-departmental strategy to end youth homelessness as a manifesto commitment, informed by young people’s lived experience.

This is the perfect time to show an active, intersectional intervention and a commitment to levelling up for every future generation.

We see three strands to a cross-departmental #PlanForThe136k

Schools:

Supported to identify and help those at risk of homelessness, as well as delivering more emotional and life skills education to support young people when turning 18.

Communities:

Better support for parents and families and training given to community leaders to recognise the signs and support young people to be safe and housed.

Councils:

Guidance so they know how to best support young people and more funding to prevent youth homelessness.

More emergency housing for young people.

More affordable and appropriate homes for young people.

Improved regulation in private and social housing so no young person is left without a home.

End age-related pay and benefits discrimination.

Allow council tax breaks for all young people (like for students currently).

Give more financial support for young renters.

Sign your name to our petition.

Make sure your organisation is signed up to the campaign. Email [email protected] to get involved!

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