New Plan Targets Rough Sleeping Crisis Linked to Migration

Rough sleeping in the United Kingdom has nearly doubled since the pandemic, prompting a call for urgent action from the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ). In a recent report, the think tank revealed that local councils are spending over £2.3 billion annually on temporary accommodation. The report links this alarming rise to “unprecedented levels of migration,” particularly highlighting the increase of rough sleepers from countries such as Romania, Eritrea, and Poland.

The CSJ asserts that individuals without a legal right to reside in the UK should be required to return to their countries of origin. The organization argues that this approach is essential for maintaining public trust in the immigration system and for garnering support for initiatives aimed at reducing homelessness. The report emphasizes that providing support for voluntary returns can be a fair way to address the crisis.

Housing First Programmed for National Rollout

The CSJ has proposed a bold new scheme that prioritizes permanent accommodation and intensive support for individuals experiencing homelessness. It argues that implementing the Housing First program across England could significantly alleviate the rough sleeping crisis. The scheme, already piloted in regions including Greater Manchester and the Liverpool City Region, is described as the “most effective” method for assisting the most vulnerable populations.

If the Housing First program is expanded nationally, the CSJ estimates it could remove 5,571 individuals from the streets by 2029-30. The report suggests that the initiative represents excellent value for money, with every £1 invested yielding £2 in returns to taxpayers and society, primarily through reduced costs to the NHS and criminal justice system.

The Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, expressed strong support for the Housing First approach, stating, “Tackling homelessness is not just an economic imperative, but also a moral mission.” He emphasized the importance of providing secure housing without conditions, allowing individuals to seek the necessary support without fear of losing their homes again.

Financial Implications and Future Prospects

The CSJ’s research indicates that English councils spent a staggering £2.3 billion on temporary accommodation last year. The think tank proposes that a national Housing First program could be funded through reallocating resources, such as scrapping expenses associated with relocating civil servants and reducing a 20% budget for government department relocations.

The report has garnered the attention of key political figures, including Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, who has been urged to champion the national rollout of the Housing First initiative. The Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, Steve Rotheram, remarked, “Housing First is not just a successful pilot—it’s a model for reform. We’ve proven it works.”

A spokesperson for the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government stated that the government is committed to addressing homelessness and has allocated £1 billion for essential services, including funding for Housing First. The spokesperson also highlighted broader plans to tackle the root causes of homelessness by building 1.5 million new homes and reforming eviction processes.

As the UK grapples with the ongoing rough sleeping crisis, the CSJ’s proposals aim to reshape the response to homelessness, focusing on sustainable solutions that can support individuals in need while addressing the financial burden on local councils.