Stark warning of an increase in people becoming homeless this winter
The number of referrals Simon on the Streets receive has almost doubled in the last eight weeks alone
West Yorkshire charity, Simon on the Streets is warning of an expected increase in people becoming homeless.
The charity believes the end of the eviction ban, furlough, and Universal Credit uplift is the cause.
It supports rough sleepers and vulnerable people across Leeds, Bradford and Kirklees.
During the last 8 weeks they've seen an exponential increase in referrals for support, particularly amongst those with no recourse to public funds (those subject to immigration controls meaning they have no entitlement to welfare benefits including income support, housing benefit and tax credits.)
Natalie Moran, CEO of Simon on the Streets, said:
“With the end of the eviction ban, furlough and the £20 Universal Credit uplift expected to affect people across West Yorkshire, we’re in real danger of seeing a staggering increase of people becoming homeless over the next 12 months. The number of referrals we’ve received has almost doubled in the last eight weeks alone.”
They are expecting the rise to continue throughout the winter months, as we head into colder weather.
She continued:
"Coming to the end of this month, beginning of November onwards, we tend to see an increase in the colder weather, so for us there was certain things we were expecting, but it has happened a little bit quicker than we anticipated."