Written by Ray Jenkins, CEO of Supporting Lives and Charter Recovery Housing
The government’s recent announcement of a record-breaking £1 billion funding boost to tackle homelessness represents a pivotal moment for local authorities and housing charities. This injection of resources is not only a response to the immediate crisis but also an opportunity to implement sustainable solutions. However, while the announcement is encouraging, there are critical factors to consider to ensure it succeeds.
As highlighted by Rachael Williamson, interim director of policy, communication, and external affairs at the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH), this funding offers the potential to reduce reliance on costly temporary accommodation, simplify processes for councils, and address prevention efforts. Supporting Lives, as a housing charity, recognises the importance of this funding in enabling multi-agency housing solutions that focus on prevention and long-term stability.
Lessons from the Past
Looking back, there was a time during the last Labour administration when rough sleeping in the UK was nearly eradicated. This success was achieved through robust funding and coordinated strategies. Unfortunately, years of austerity and cuts to essential services have reversed much of this progress. The reduced availability of council and housing association stock, coupled with the substandard quality of some private rental housing, underscores the need for a systemic overhaul.
Building Blocks for Long-Term Impact
At Supporting Lives, we believe that addressing homelessness requires more than just funding. A holistic, sustainable approach is necessary, grounded in three key pillars:
Good Quality Housing Stock Supporting Lives secures high-quality accommodation through social investors. By operating as a Community Benefit Society (CBS), we ensure that housing is available in deprived areas where the need is most acute. Quality housing is the foundation of stability and must be prioritised.
Skilled Staff Addressing homelessness involves working with individuals who face complex challenges, including mental health issues, substance misuse, and involvement with the criminal justice system. Housing support workers must be highly skilled to provide not only a safe environment but also a psychologically informed space that motivates residents toward positive behavioural change.
Partnership Working My hope is that the injection of funds does not get consumed within local authorities to create another level of bureaucracy. Partnership with charities and private landlords is essential if we are to develop a long-term strategy that addresses homelessness. Any strategy led by the local authority will have to include the development of an innovative commissioning and financial framework based on realistic service provider costs. This framework must reflect not just the ever-increasing costs of building or purchasing social housing stock but also the investment needed to develop a workforce capable of working with some of the most complex and marginalised people in our communities.
Challenges Ahead
While the £1 billion funding is a step in the right direction, it is not a panacea. As we approach the Spending Review, Supporting Lives urges the government to:
- Address the needs of over 123,000 households currently in temporary accommodation.
- Pair funding with bold housing strategies that increase the supply of affordable homes.
- Ensure that funding mechanisms are streamlined and accessible to local authorities.
Without a focus on these areas, there is a risk that the funding will serve as a short-term fix rather than a long-term solution.
Working Together to End Homelessness
The housing crisis requires decisive action, innovative thinking, and a commitment to addressing systemic issues. As the CEO of Charter Recovery Housing and Supporting Lives, I am committed to being part of the solution. By working with commissioners, referrers, and other stakeholders, we can ensure that this funding translates into real, lasting change.
This moment represents an opportunity—one we cannot afford to squander. We aspire to build a future where everyone has access to safe, quality housing and the support they need to rebuild their lives.
Further Reading
For more information about the government’s announcement, visit Largest Ever Cash Boost to Turn the Tide on Homelessness.
