A Dire WARNING: Homelessness Among Disabled Households Soars in England

Over 60,000 disabled households in England faced homelessness last year, reflecting a staggering 75% increase since 2019, according to official figures analyzed by the homelessness charity Crisis. This troubling trend coincides with a decrease in social housing allocations for disabled individuals, raising alarms within the Labour Party about recent cuts to disability benefits.

Recent statistics indicate that 21% of households facing homelessness in late 2023 reported some form of physical ill health or disability. Overall, homelessness has surged in the past few years, but the rate among disabled households has skyrocketed, with 62,040 such households at risk in 2023/24 compared to 35,860 in 2018/19. Despite this rising need, the percentage of social housing lettings for disabled persons dropped from 20% in 2022/23 to just 16% in 2023/24.

Labour MPs, including Paula Barker, are voicing serious concerns regarding these figures and the government’s proposed welfare cuts. Barker stresses that there needs to be a change in direction, advocating for needed interventions rather than exacerbating the situation. The latest changes in disability benefits, like the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) reform, are seen as part of a welfare shake-up aimed at saving money, which critics argue could lead to further hardship for vulnerable populations.

Besides the statistical data, personal testimonies highlight the real-life ramifications of homelessness on health. Julie, a mother with severe osteoarthritis, recounts her struggle with temporary accommodations that lacked basic amenities, which negatively impacted her health and ultimately led to a diagnosis of type-2 diabetes.

Alex Bax, from the charity Pathway, calls for urgent action to integrate healthcare services for those facing homelessness, underscoring the need for a collaborative approach to tackle these overlapping issues. Matt Downie from Crisis demands the construction of 90,000 new social homes annually to address the growing crisis, asserting that the rise in disabled homelessness is a significant concern that adds pressure on local councils.

In response, a government spokesperson acknowledged the severity of the housing crisis while stating that they are investing £1 billion this year for homelessness services and are committed to building 1.5 million new homes. They assert that the Labour government has benefited from substantial investments in public services, yet the figures indicate a desperate situation where many are at risk of homelessness, primarily within disabled communities.

The solution remains complicated, with urgent calls for a cohesive strategy to mitigate this escalating crisis.