Open discrimination towards people on benefits is actively taking place across the country regarding housing availability. Recent studies show that over the last five years, 1/3 of people receiving housing benefits haven't been able to rent a home due to a 'No DSS' policy. There are over 1 million private renting households in England who receive housing benefit, meaning that hundreds of thousands of people have most likely faced this type of discrimination. In an expanding and competitive lettings market, far too many renters are being locked out of finding a home due to prejudice fronted by 'No DSS' policies employed by lettings agents and landlords.

The housing secretary has claimed that more than 90% of rough sleepers have been housed during the coronavirus pandemic, therefore demonstrating that the accommodation, resources and funding are available to significantly reduce rough sleeping and homelessness. It is not acceptable to tell these people to go back and live on the streets after the pandemic is over as evidently, there is accommodation available. Thus this housing must be made permanently available to house the homeless.

The Homelessness Reduction Act (2017) gave new duties and roles to local housing authorities to prevent homelessness experiences from ever happening in the first place. In addition councils must support people out of homelessness, whether classed as 'priority need' or not. (Haringey Council, 2019) Following the introduction of the Act, £72 million was given to local councils by the government, to be used in combatting homelessness (Barton and Wilson, 2020) This funding runs out in 2020 and there is no indication that it will be renewed. (Butler, 2019) Given that the new role of local authorities to prevent homelessness is already being neglected by some as they don't have the fund to implement it (Geraghty, 2018), the renewal of this funding is even more important to encourage more local authorities to take responsibility and engage with the program.

The number of government funded social housing has fallen by 97% since 2010 with over 120,000 social homes lost between 2012 and 2016. (Kentish, 2017) https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/social-housing-government-funded-properties-rent-falls-97-per-cent-study-homes-communities-agency-a7799116.html Councils only replace less than a third of homes sold under the 'Right to Buy Scheme' and without a flow of new homes, the proposed benefits of the scheme will never be experienced by future generations. (McKay, 2018) https://www.theguardian.com/society/2018/jun/11/councils-able-to-replace-one-third-homes-sold-under-right-to-buy Many social housing properties are being sold to former landlords. These landlords are increasing rent prices, meaning that some people are unable to pay the rent of even the most basic formerly council-owned property. (Savage, 2019) https://www.theguardian.com/society/2019/jan/19/ministers-urged-halt-right-buy-council-homes-rented

Raising the age important because they are still young and with their lives ahead of them, we shouldn't be turning our backs on them we should be supporting them now so that they can have better lives later on. Abolishing the 'under 21 and having been in care' criteria is important because, whilst these former children of care are incredibly vulnerable and need extensive support, so do all young homeless people. Each case is different with some young people experience abusive and violent home environments that cause homelessness, yet it was never reported and thus care support was never received.

This is extremely important, especially during a pandemic because we have been asked to self-isolate, to stay inside, to protect ourselves and others. So it would only be right while there is multiple accommodation around the country free from public use, to put it to good use - for someone in need.

Reduce rates of homelessness among refugees and reduce rates of mental heath problems among refugees

As part of the dispersal system Asylum Seekers are sent all over the country, having no choice on where they live. The housing provided is generally in terrible conditions, with many people having to share bedrooms with people who are complete strangers and are expected to survive on £35 per week. Once an Asylum Seeker has been granted refugee status they are then forced out of their NASS housing, having no means of support and are often left homeless.

Housing is a basic human right, however, it is no secret that the UK is amidst a major housing crisis. Millions of people are unable to access decent housing at an affordable price. With housing costs continuing to increase, many individuals and families are pushed into overcrowded situations, and into poverty. Hundreds of thousands of houses are required to be built each year in order to resolve homelessness, affordability and overcrowding issues. A shelter report found that ¼ of people have had to reduce the amount of money they spend on food, in order to cover their housing costs and avoid rental arrears. With house prices rising, many are unable to move away from the private rented sector towards home ownership, and therefore affordable housing is crucial to support the livelihood of millions. In 2019, over 10,000 people were homed in temporary accommodation due to their inability to afford the costs associated with housing. Despite this, not nearly enough affordable, or social housing was built to relieve this number. It is essential that adequate funding is given to allow Local Authorities to take control, and build enough social and affordable housing within their area to alleviate this issue, while supporting sustainable growth within the community.

Homelessness is a national scale problem in the 21st century so I'm seeking for the help of funds to identify and help those currently in need. Also to prevent homelessness being seen and chosen as the only alternative. Please sign the petition today so men, women and children no longer have to go through this during a global pandemic.

Many women are suffering from domestic violence that is not always physical, they do not always come with visible scars. Having a home where they can feel safe can help them pick up where they left off and set them on the right path. I have had many close friends affected by this where they lose a place they call home due to it not being safe for them anymore. Left with nothing as their home was a place of security representing a family.

Understanding the issues that lead to rough sleeping and being able to address them before people are forced to sleep on our streets allows problems to be caught early and have people put into adequate accommodation The rough sleeping figure has increased by 141% since 2010 and more needs to be done to ensure this figure does not rise anymore According to Crisis, effective early interventions reduce the personal and financial cost of homelessness. Cost of rough sleeping for 12 months (£20,128) vs cost of successful intervention (£1,426) (At What Cost, 2015). Preventing Homelessness early benefits all parties!