Image credits to Matt Collamer
Dear Sir,
After reading last week’s article about the startling rise in homelessness across England, I found it extremely sad that in 2023 the number of homeless people is rising so steeply. The difference between rich and poor is growing wider and wider. Extreme poverty has increased as billionaires’ fortunes balloon by £2bn-a-day. The richest 1 per cent of Britons hold more wealth than 70 per cent of the rest of us.
The figure of homelessness rising by 34% in one year is shocking. The Cost of Living crisis has clearly exacerbated this issue, but the government response to this has been inadequate. Charities are the frontline of assisting those in need yet again. There is ample wealth when we look around, but we must address where it is spent and redistributed.
Many of us can not relate to the utter hardship faced by homeless people. For example, poor physical or mental health can reduce a person's ability to find employment or earn an adequate income. Alternatively, some health problems are a consequence of homelessness, including depression, poor nutrition, poor dental health, substance abuse and mental health problems. Many of these issues are all interlinked.
When living in the streets, people are exposed to more crime, violence and bad weather. They can lose their job in the chaos of homelessness, and they often struggle to find another one without access to the internet or a mailing address.
I see charities that work tirelessly to help people in crisis. Here in Congleton we are enormously lucky to have the likes of New Life Church, if you know a person in need of help, they can ring New Life Church and they will be put in touch with the Homeless Centre.
Adullam Homes Housing Association provides Congleton and Sandbach accommodation for 21 single homeless people, with 6 single rooms in a hostel and 15 single rooms in 5 shared 3-bed houses. The project also has 20 self-contained move-on flats and provides an intensive floating support service for 11 people.
LOL foundation ( Listening out Loud) is a charity that was set up in the town in 2012 to support veterans affected by homelessness and mental health issues. Since then, it said it had helped almost 100 veterans find accommodation. enquiries@lolfoundation.co.uk www.lolfoundation.co.uk They offer volunteer opportunities if anyone wishes to help. Since they opened their doors in 2012 they have helped almost 100 ex-forces personnel a home and the offer of help they needed. They do an incredible job.
The Green Party will tackle the causes rather than the symptoms of the housing crisis: giving renters a fair deal, making social housing widely available, and bringing the housing market under control. The Green Party is committed to the following-
Protect young people’s housing needs by reinstating housing benefit for under 21s and reverse housing benefits cuts.
Stop declaring people as ‘intentionally homeless’ and give Local Authorities the same duties towards single people and childless couples as to families.
Help first-time buyers by aiming for house price stability - axing buy-to-let tax breaks, and backing community-led approaches to building affordable homes.
A living rent for all through rent controls and more secure tenancies for private renters, an end to letting fees and the introduction of mandatory licensing for all landlords.
Many thanks
Lisa Miller
Congleton Green Party