Key law may hinder new government efforts to tackle homelessness, Berkshire charity warns
West Berkshire Homeless says people must prove a mental or physical health problem to get help, so the latest £50million package won’t reach everyone in need
A Berkshire homeless charity has expressed concerns over the effectiveness of the government’s latest funding initiative to tackle homelessness.
The government has announced over £50 million in investment to 'help deliver on the national target to halve long-term rough sleeping by the end of this Parliament.'
However, Erica Gasor, Trustee and General Secretary of West Berkshire Homeless, doubts the voluntary sector will see substantial benefits.
Gasor highlighted a significant barrier caused by the current law in England, which requires homeless individuals to prove mental or physical health problems to qualify for priority accommodation.
She contrasts this with the approach in Wales and Scotland, where homelessness itself is considered a vulnerability.
This law prevents councils from assisting many individuals, including those whose homelessness results from broken relationships or employment issues.
Instead, these individuals often turn to community organisations like West Berkshire Homeless for aid.
The difficulty in accessing affordable housing exacerbates Berkshire's homelessness situation.
Gasor explained that the high cost of accommodation and the scarcity of affordable rental options severely impact low-income workers and families.
A lack of affordable housing significantly contributes to these individuals’ inability to secure stable living situations, ultimately making the government's funding initiative less effective if it does not address these fundamental issues.
Gasor advocates for more affordable housing options, particularly Houses in Multiple Occupancy (HMOs), managed by local councils.
She stressed the need for affordable, rentable spaces allowing tenants to share facilities, which would improve housing security for those who don't meet priority criteria.
West Berkshire Homeless currently assists individuals through sofa surfing arrangements and rent deposits, but these short-term solutions threaten the safety and stability of those involved.
The government’s announcement of £50 million investment in tackling homelessness is divided between two major programmes.
Firstly, the £37 million Ending Homelessness in Communities Fund aims to support voluntary, community, and faith groups working with individuals in crisis across England.
This funding is intended for staffing, building improvements, and the development of trauma-informed approaches for rough sleepers.
Secondly, the £15 million Long-Term Rough Sleeping Innovation Programme targets 28 areas experiencing heavy homelessness pressures.
It is designed to facilitate complex case coordination, peer mentoring, and enhanced inter-service cooperation.
Despite these efforts, Gasor remains skeptical about the transformative impact on her community, explaining that, despite government initiatives, West Berkshire Homeless has faced increased demands coupled with declining donations.
The charity operates entirely with volunteers and no overheads, directing every penny received to aid those in need, yet they are strained by the rising costs and demand.
West Berkshire Council outlined in it's Strategy for 2023-2027 that they're focusing on 'preventing homelessness and enhancing living conditions.'
They say they aim to offer 'verified accommodation to rough sleepers' and 'support households at risk', while also improving the enforcement of standards in rented and supported housing.
In a previous statement about the 'priority homeless' law, the government told us: “every person deserves a safe place to call home, which is why we are accelerating efforts to tackle the root causes of homelessness by abolishing Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions.
“We’re also investing more than £1 billion in homelessness services and expanding access to safe accommodation, whilst also strengthening support services.”