Homelessness

Homelessness is a complex issue in the UK and around the world. This is no different in Leicester, where around 1400 people are classed as homeless. It is difficult for anyone without a home to feel safe and secure, and even more so in recent years. 

Homelessness doesn’t just refer to people who sleep rough on the streets every night. There is also the issue of home insecurity, where people aren’t sure whether they will have a home in the near future. 

But what are the causes of homelessness, and what is the situation like in Leicester?

Causes of Homelessness

Homelessness isn’t as simple as it appears at first glance. 

The most common cause of homelessness, particularly in Leicester, is a lack of affordable homes. Rent and mortgage prices are too high for some households to manage, and there simply aren’t enough houses in a price range that people can afford. In Leicester, there are not enough homes for everyone, even families and children.

Certain life events can push people to homelessness, such as events that suddenly change the financial prospects of a family. Many households are close to homelessness and home insecurity, and a job loss or sudden expense can push them over the edge.

Substance abuse issues and mental health problems further increase the risk of becoming homeless. Trauma and abuse can force people out of homes and onto the street.

Leicester Homelessness Situation

There has been a housing crisis in Leicester since 2022, as more than 6,000 people were waiting for council houses and many were living in overcrowded homes. However, things have not improved much in recent years. According to Leicestershire Live (August 2024), the number of reported rough sleepers increased – 464 individuals were reported to be rough sleeping between 2023-2024 compared to 447 the previous year. 

As of April 2024, over 6600 households were waiting to be moved into more appropriate homes. This was an increase of 674 individuals compared to April 2023. More than 1500 of these households have urgent needs.

According to a survey done by Shelter, 1400 people are homeless in Leicester every night, and around a third of those people are unfortunately children. In Leicestershire Live (16^th August 2024), it was stated that the majority of kids living in temporary accommodation are in Leicester. In addition, according to the new Government data (as at the end of March 2024), 1035 kids across the City and County live in temporary accommodation.

It is important to note that around 1000 households are in temporary housing, some for over six weeks. 

Over 400 people were rough sleeping between 2023/2024.

This is causing significant stress on the already stretched City Council efforts and the housing situation in Leicester.

Local Challenges and Support

One of the challenges for people in Leicester stems from the stretched support systems available to them. The housing shortage means that there is a very limited supply of emergency housing and a waiting list that stretches for years for some people. In October 2023, the average wait time for a 2-bed property on the housing register was 1 year with the highest priority, 1 year and 5 months for a 3-bed property and a wait for over 5 years with the second highest priority. 

Many people are having to turn to charities for the support they need, whether it is a meal or a bed for the night. However, the large number of people on the street means that even local charities are stretched too far.

For many people, becoming homeless is the worst-case scenario. While homelessness may be a temporary part of most people’s lives, it’s a very difficult one and a rather serious problem. This is compounded by the difficulty people face when trying to get support.