Great Britain. Department for Children, Schools and Families
Publication year:
2007
Pagination:
119p., bibliog.
Place of publication:
London
The report presents the findings of an international comparative survey of homelessness and social housing. Desk research was carried out on 11 other countries in addition to England. These included English-speaking, Western, Southern and Central European countries. The findings and recommendations in this report are those of the consultant authors and do not necessarily represent the views or proposed policies of Communities and Local Government.
The report presents the findings of an international comparative survey of homelessness and social housing. Desk research was carried out on 11 other countries in addition to England. These included English-speaking, Western, Southern and Central European countries. The findings and recommendations in this report are those of the consultant authors and do not necessarily represent the views or proposed policies of Communities and Local Government.
Subject terms:
homelessness, literature reviews, social housing, social policy;
An independent analysis of the impact of recent economic and policy developments on homelessness in Northern Ireland, providing a summary of homelessness in Northern Ireland in 2016. It also highlights emerging trends and forecasts some of the likely future changes, identifying the developments likely to have the most significant impacts on homelessness. The analysis considers both the consequences of the post-2007 economic and housing market recession, and the subsequent recovery, and the impact of policy changes implemented under the post- 2010 UK Government and the Northern Ireland Executive. It also provides a fully updated analysis of the available statistical data on the current scale of, and recent trends in, homelessness in Northern Ireland. The report draws on a review of the literature; interviews with representatives from service provider organisations; and analysis of statistical data on economic and social trends. The analysis found In 2015/16 some 18,600 households presented as homeless in Northern Ireland. Temporary accommodation use in Northern Ireland has been fairly steady in recent years, with between 2,800 and 3,000 placements are made annually. The report also highlights the need for better statistical monitoring data on homelessness trends in Northern Ireland.
(Edited publisher abstract)
An independent analysis of the impact of recent economic and policy developments on homelessness in Northern Ireland, providing a summary of homelessness in Northern Ireland in 2016. It also highlights emerging trends and forecasts some of the likely future changes, identifying the developments likely to have the most significant impacts on homelessness. The analysis considers both the consequences of the post-2007 economic and housing market recession, and the subsequent recovery, and the impact of policy changes implemented under the post- 2010 UK Government and the Northern Ireland Executive. It also provides a fully updated analysis of the available statistical data on the current scale of, and recent trends in, homelessness in Northern Ireland. The report draws on a review of the literature; interviews with representatives from service provider organisations; and analysis of statistical data on economic and social trends. The analysis found In 2015/16 some 18,600 households presented as homeless in Northern Ireland. Temporary accommodation use in Northern Ireland has been fairly steady in recent years, with between 2,800 and 3,000 placements are made annually. The report also highlights the need for better statistical monitoring data on homelessness trends in Northern Ireland.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
homelessness, government policy, housing, social policy, homeless people;
The Homelessness Monitor series is a five-year study that provides an independent analysis of the homelessness impacts of recent economic and policy developments in Scotland and elsewhere in the UK. This update report provides an account of how homelessness stands in Scotland in 2015, or as close to 2015 as data availability allows, and how things have changed since the ‘baseline’ Homelessness Monitor Scotland report was published in 2012. In 2014/15 Scottish local authorities logged 35,764 statutory homelessness applications, of which 28,615 were assessed as homeless. While there have been 5 per cent fewer assessments made since last year, homeless people are being forced to spend more and more time in temporary housing due to pressure on the supply of affordable homes, rising demand and cuts to benefits. Housing supply fell to historically low levels during the recession, and annual additions to the housing stock now need to rise by some 30 per cent from 2013/14 levels just to keep pace with household growth. The gradual long-term decline in social sector lettings has been contained, for now, by the new lettings developed through the Affordable Housing Supply Programme. Benefit sanctions are now a core concern within the homelessness sector in Scotland, with implications both for people’s capacity to avoid or move on from homelessness, and for the financial viability of some accommodation projects which struggle to recover service charges from sanctioned residents. The report concludes that even as the UK and Scottish economies strengthen, policy-led factors continue to have a direct bearing on levels of homelessness across the country, as well as on the effectiveness of responses.
(Edited publisher abstract)
The Homelessness Monitor series is a five-year study that provides an independent analysis of the homelessness impacts of recent economic and policy developments in Scotland and elsewhere in the UK. This update report provides an account of how homelessness stands in Scotland in 2015, or as close to 2015 as data availability allows, and how things have changed since the ‘baseline’ Homelessness Monitor Scotland report was published in 2012. In 2014/15 Scottish local authorities logged 35,764 statutory homelessness applications, of which 28,615 were assessed as homeless. While there have been 5 per cent fewer assessments made since last year, homeless people are being forced to spend more and more time in temporary housing due to pressure on the supply of affordable homes, rising demand and cuts to benefits. Housing supply fell to historically low levels during the recession, and annual additions to the housing stock now need to rise by some 30 per cent from 2013/14 levels just to keep pace with household growth. The gradual long-term decline in social sector lettings has been contained, for now, by the new lettings developed through the Affordable Housing Supply Programme. Benefit sanctions are now a core concern within the homelessness sector in Scotland, with implications both for people’s capacity to avoid or move on from homelessness, and for the financial viability of some accommodation projects which struggle to recover service charges from sanctioned residents. The report concludes that even as the UK and Scottish economies strengthen, policy-led factors continue to have a direct bearing on levels of homelessness across the country, as well as on the effectiveness of responses.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
homelessness, rough sleepers, social housing, benefits, social policy;
Journal of Social Policy, 34(3), July 2005, pp.389-406.
Publisher:
Cambridge University Press
Place of publication:
Cambridge
This article contends that the New Labour government's current policies on street homelessness in England prioritise ‘social cohesion’ over ‘social justice’ objectives. While the government has implemented substantial improvements in services for street homeless people in recent years, and has achieved a significant reduction in the numbers sleeping rough, a strong ‘social control’ emphasis has now emerged in this policy agenda, as those remaining on the streets are increasingly viewed as an ‘anti-social behaviour’ problem. The article argues that coercive or forceful measures aimed at street homeless people cannot be justified from a social justice perspective, unless it can be demonstrated that they have a positive impact on the welfare of this marginalised group. The evidence presently available, although not definitive, indicates that such measures are more likely to undermine than promote the well-being of street homeless people.
This article contends that the New Labour government's current policies on street homelessness in England prioritise ‘social cohesion’ over ‘social justice’ objectives. While the government has implemented substantial improvements in services for street homeless people in recent years, and has achieved a significant reduction in the numbers sleeping rough, a strong ‘social control’ emphasis has now emerged in this policy agenda, as those remaining on the streets are increasingly viewed as an ‘anti-social behaviour’ problem. The article argues that coercive or forceful measures aimed at street homeless people cannot be justified from a social justice perspective, unless it can be demonstrated that they have a positive impact on the welfare of this marginalised group. The evidence presently available, although not definitive, indicates that such measures are more likely to undermine than promote the well-being of street homeless people.
Subject terms:
homelessness, punishment, social exclusion, social policy, anti-social behaviour;
Annual report into the level of homelessness in England, which draws on a survey of councils, statistical analysis of economic and social trends and in-depth interviews from 22 key representatives from the statutory and voluntary sector. The report looks at the current economic factors that may impact on homelessness and the impact of Coalition Government welfare and housing reform. It then provides a updated analysis on the scale and recent trends in homelessness focusing on the four key categories of rough sleepers, single homeless people, statutorily homeless households, and the hidden homeless (eg squattters, overcrowded households and sharing households). It then summarises the main findings and sets out a framework for monitoring the impact on homelessness of policy and economic change until 2016. Key findings show that the number of rough sleepers have continued to grow; they highlight changes in the way official homeless figures are recorded, which are likely to result in under-reporting of homelessness; and a growing problem with concealed homelessness and overcrowded households.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Annual report into the level of homelessness in England, which draws on a survey of councils, statistical analysis of economic and social trends and in-depth interviews from 22 key representatives from the statutory and voluntary sector. The report looks at the current economic factors that may impact on homelessness and the impact of Coalition Government welfare and housing reform. It then provides a updated analysis on the scale and recent trends in homelessness focusing on the four key categories of rough sleepers, single homeless people, statutorily homeless households, and the hidden homeless (eg squattters, overcrowded households and sharing households). It then summarises the main findings and sets out a framework for monitoring the impact on homelessness of policy and economic change until 2016. Key findings show that the number of rough sleepers have continued to grow; they highlight changes in the way official homeless figures are recorded, which are likely to result in under-reporting of homelessness; and a growing problem with concealed homelessness and overcrowded households.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
homelessness, economics, homeless people, single homeless people, policy, social policy, government policy;
This overview report provides: a range of definitions of homelessness; an analysis of who is homeless and why; a review of the scale of homelessness; consideration of the wider social aspects of single homeless people’s lives, such as health, education, the benefits system, labour market involvement, personal relationships and criminal justice system; and policy and practice recommendations and identification of areas in which further research is needed.
This overview report provides: a range of definitions of homelessness; an analysis of who is homeless and why; a review of the scale of homelessness; consideration of the wider social aspects of single homeless people’s lives, such as health, education, the benefits system, labour market involvement, personal relationships and criminal justice system; and policy and practice recommendations and identification of areas in which further research is needed.
Extended abstract:
Authors
FITZPATRICK S., KEMP P., KLINKER S.;
Title
Single Homelessness: an overview of research in Britain.
Publisher
Policy Press, 2000.
Summary
This research overview draws together the main findings of a thorough review of single homelessness research in Britain throughout the 1990s. The study highlights the key themes and trends within homelessness research, and identifies gaps in the current knowledge, and inconsistencies and contradictions in the available evidence. This document presents the 'story' of homelessness that has emerged from the research to date. The overview report provides: a range of definition of homelessness; analysis of who is homeless and why; a review of the scale of single homelessness; consideration of the wider social aspects of single homeless people's lives, such as health, education, the benefits system, labour market involvement, personal relationships and the criminal justice system; and, policy and practice recommendations and identification of areas in which further research is needed.
Context
Single homelessness is most visible in London and other major cities, but affects a wide range of urban, rural and coastal areas. A vast quantity of research on single homelessness has been conducted over the last decade. Some of this work has been carried out by national homelessness agencies and is well publicised, but much interesting research has been done by local agencies and is not widely available to other who may benefit from it. Other sources of useful material, such as articles in academic journals, are somewhat inaccessible to homelessness practitioners. In addition, the sheer volume of research and information can be daunting, particularly to those new to the homelessness field. The Joseph Rowntree Foundation and CRASH (Construction and Property Industry Charity for the Single Homeless) therefore identified the need to synthesise this material to maximise its usefulness, particularly to policy makers, practitioners and research funders. The central aim of this review was to produce a high quality and accessible summary of recent research and information about single homelessness in Britain.
Method
The review covered work published from 1990 to the end of November 1999. Firstly a systematic trawl of material was conducted including official statistics, 'formal research' and significant 'grey' literature. A wide range of sources were used in the trawl for material, including: the Planning Exchange; university library databases; the British Library and the National Library for Scotland; the World Wide Web; housing and social work magazines; and contacts with key homelessness agencies and research funders. Participants in national homelessness conferenceswere invited to submit material. All relevant items identified were entered into the bibliographic database. Secondly the research team selected the pieces of material to be included in the 200 research summaries. They were guided in their selection by a series of questions (see appendix for more details). Each selected piece was then summarised in around 500 words. The presentation of these summaries was based on consultation with homelessness practitioners and others. The quality, robustness and usefulness of each of these pieces of research was assessed by the research team and these points were included in a 'comments' chapter at the end of each summary. Finally the team prepared this overview report based on the reviewed pieces of research and some broader contextual matter.
Contents
This over view is divided into nine chapters with references and an appendix containing the methodology utilised to complete the review. Chapter one provides a brief introduction to the review and sets out the aims and objectives of carrying out this review. Chapter two gives a brief history of single homelessness in Britain including legislation and governmental response to homelessness. Chapter three attempts to introduce the nature of homelessness by exploring definitions of homelessness and by highlighting the range of homeless experiences. Chapter four examines the scale of single homelessness and the sources of available information on this subject. Chapter five explores the underlying causes of single homelessness in Britain. Chapter six looks at the predictors of single homelessness and 'who' is most likely to become homeless. Chapter seven explores the wider aspects of single homeless people's lives with specific reference to health, employment and training, education, family relationships, and, begging. Chapter eight concentrates on responses that seek to meet the accommodation and support needs of single homeless people. Chapter nine summarises the most significant themes and findings to emerge from this report and concludes with a series of recommendations targeted at practitioners, policy makers and research funders.
Conclusion
"Statutory responses to homelessness have traditionally focused on families with children, and the division between single and family homelessness in research an policy was reinforced by the restrictions of the Homeless Persons legislation. However, the growing visibility of rough sleepers since the late 1980s has focused attention on some particular chapters of the single homeless population, and has prompted central government to fund a series of Rough Sleepers Initiatives. The current Labour government has pushed homelessness further up the political agenda, with rough sleepers being among the first priorities for the SEU, and with the establishment of the YHAP and the Scottish Homelessness Task Force. Against this, however, there is a concern that the recent emphasis on rough sleeping has narrowed the debate around homelessness to a minimalist definition of the problem."
204 references ISBN 1 86134 255 1
Subject terms:
homeless people, homelessness, literature reviews, policy formulation, social policy, single homeless people, statistical methods;
The homelessness monitor is a five year study (2011-2015), funded by Crisis and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, that provides an independent analysis of the impact on homelessness of recent economic and policy developments in the UK. This executive summary outlines key points of the study’s third report for England, which tracks the baseline account of homelessness established in 2011. It analyses key trends following that period, also the economic and policy impacts of homelessness. It identifies the developments likely to have the most significant impacts on homelessness, for example, the spare room subsidy (commonly referred to as "the bedroom tax").
(Edited publisher abstract)
The homelessness monitor is a five year study (2011-2015), funded by Crisis and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, that provides an independent analysis of the impact on homelessness of recent economic and policy developments in the UK. This executive summary outlines key points of the study’s third report for England, which tracks the baseline account of homelessness established in 2011. It analyses key trends following that period, also the economic and policy impacts of homelessness. It identifies the developments likely to have the most significant impacts on homelessness, for example, the spare room subsidy (commonly referred to as "the bedroom tax").
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
homeless people, homelessness, rough sleepers, social policy, government policy, social welfare, economic development, economics, longitudinal studies;
The homelessness monitor is a five year study (2011-2015), funded by Crisis and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, that provides an independent analysis of the impact on homelessness of recent economic and policy developments in the UK. This is the third report for England, which tracks the baseline account of homelessness established in 2011, and analyses key trends following that period. It also highlights emerging trends and forecasts some of the likely changes, identifying the developments likely to have the most significant impacts on homelessness, for example, the spare room subsidy (commonly referred to as "the bedroom tax").
(Edited publisher abstract)
The homelessness monitor is a five year study (2011-2015), funded by Crisis and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, that provides an independent analysis of the impact on homelessness of recent economic and policy developments in the UK. This is the third report for England, which tracks the baseline account of homelessness established in 2011, and analyses key trends following that period. It also highlights emerging trends and forecasts some of the likely changes, identifying the developments likely to have the most significant impacts on homelessness, for example, the spare room subsidy (commonly referred to as "the bedroom tax").
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
homeless people, homelessness, rough sleepers, social policy, government policy, social welfare, economic development, economics, longitudinal studies;
The Homelessness Monitor is a three-year study intended to provide an independent analysis of the impact on homelessness of recent economic and policy developments in England. Its main focus is the homelessness consequences of the post-2007 economic recession, rising unemployment, and the housing market downturn, together with likely impacts of the welfare, housing and other social policy reforms (including reductions in public expenditure) of the coalition government elected in 2010. This year one report provides a baseline account of homelessness in 2011. It also analyses key trends in the preceding period, highlights emerging trends, and forecasts some of the likely changes. The study reviewed relevant literature, conducted interviews with senior representatives of local authorities and homelessness service providers, and undertook detailed statistical analysis on relevant economic and social trends and the scale and nature of homelessness. It concentrated on 4 homeless groups: people sleeping rough; single homeless people living in hostels, shelters and temporary supported accommodation; statutorily homeless households; and 'hidden homeless' households (households living in overcrowded conditions, and concealed and sharing households). Further reports are planned for 2012 and 2013.
The Homelessness Monitor is a three-year study intended to provide an independent analysis of the impact on homelessness of recent economic and policy developments in England. Its main focus is the homelessness consequences of the post-2007 economic recession, rising unemployment, and the housing market downturn, together with likely impacts of the welfare, housing and other social policy reforms (including reductions in public expenditure) of the coalition government elected in 2010. This year one report provides a baseline account of homelessness in 2011. It also analyses key trends in the preceding period, highlights emerging trends, and forecasts some of the likely changes. The study reviewed relevant literature, conducted interviews with senior representatives of local authorities and homelessness service providers, and undertook detailed statistical analysis on relevant economic and social trends and the scale and nature of homelessness. It concentrated on 4 homeless groups: people sleeping rough; single homeless people living in hostels, shelters and temporary supported accommodation; statutorily homeless households; and 'hidden homeless' households (households living in overcrowded conditions, and concealed and sharing households). Further reports are planned for 2012 and 2013.
Subject terms:
homeless people, homelessness, rough sleepers, social policy, social welfare, economic development, economics, government policy;