Rough sleeping projected to surge over the next decade
Figures also show that the number of rough sleepers in Leeds have tripled over the last six years
A new report out today has shown how rough sleeping across the UK is set to increase by 76% by 2026.
‘Crisis’, a rough sleeping charity, found that over 9000 people slept on the streets in 2016 and predicts this could rise to 16,000 by 2026.
The organisation has also warned that all forms of homelessness are “likely” to continue to increase unless Government policies are changed.
They have called for immediate “long term” action on this, which they claim is necessary to “end homelessness for good”.
In response, the Government said that they were "determined to help the most vulnerable in society" and were pledging over £550 million to try to help resolve the issue by 2020.
In Leeds, Government figures show that the number of rough sleepers have tripled over the last six years.
Other data in the city seem to support this.
Homeless charity St George’s Trust revealed that they have seen a “15-20%” increase in people using their services over the last year.
The organisation, based in the centre of the city, provides temporary accommodation and support for those in need.
Speaking to Radio Aire, St George’s Trust CEO Chris Fields said many people were suffering from a “multi-pronged attack” which was forcing them onto the streets.
The charity worker said that there were many reasons why people end up rough sleeping, including people’s poor mental health and rises in the “cost of living”.
He also claimed that this situation was being made worse by a “raft of services and safety nets”, such as charity funding, being “chipped away” by national government.
He believes a possible solution to this is the creation of more “social housing” for those who cannot afford to pay their rent.
In an effort to tackle rough sleeping, Leeds City Council are implementing a "Homelessness Strategy".
The scheme was started last year and contains a pledge to significantly reduce the number of rough sleepers by 2019.
The Council has also set-up a "multi-agency" forum to help focus efforts which currently meets on a quarterly basis.