Local elections: Council support key in ending youth homelessness for good

Like the rest of us though, very few of them will demonstrate that interest at the ballot box when polling stations open in the local elections.

But we must not forget that the crippling cost-of-living crisis and its expected impact on public and private spending in the coming years, makes these elections vital for the next generation. 

The people we choose to represent our constituencies will help shape future local policy and spending in areas such as education and social services. Who we elect on May 5 could either see us through a crisis or entrench problems for the next generation.

It’s crucial that these councillors understand the needs of all of their constituents, especially vulnerable young people who are too often let down by social services, the benefits system and other support services. This is not through lack of will to support these young people – rather, it’s a lack of resources. Something which has been apparent for over a decade.

Local councils have the opportunity to fight their corner, to show vulnerable young people that their futures aren’t being ignored. This means being bold, being innovative and driving the delivery of a number of important policies and programmes – beginning with the supply of housing that is genuinely accessible and sustainable.

For too long now, there has been an inadequate supply of age-appropriate accommodation for young people. We often hear of young people being placed into hostels inappropriate for their age or needs, or those stuck in a cycle of hostel after hostel due to poor private or social housing, leaving them unable to move on and live independently. If councillors are serious about supporting vulnerable young people, this must be a priority moving forward.

Vulnerable young people also deserve a strong provision of quality homelessness services that are responsive to their specific needs. Specialist youth homelessness services should be created where not already present, or a dedicated worker appointed for smaller authorities.

We know that prevention is better than the cure. So we also need to see local and national government working towards helping young people avoid a crisis by increasing investment in prevention work.

For young people facing homelessness at such a critical time in their development, youth services can be a lifeline. Councils must develop and invest in youth services that have unfortunately seen huge cuts in recent years. Over the coming year, we’re asking local leaders to take prevention seriously by committing to providing quality youth services that young people can access.

To prevent youth homelessness, we also need to look at demographics. Roughly 40 per cent of young people in Centrepoint services are care leavers. When we go to the ballot box, we have a responsibility to ensure that those who have left care are given the support they need to succeed. 

Currently, care leavers trying to live independently are caught up in a storm of increasing living costs. Exempting all care leavers from paying council tax up to the age of 25 can go a long way in easing this financial hardship, and give them the best possible chance to move on positively. We also need to see better access to floating support and advocacy for as long as it is needed.

Above all else, young people need to be heard. Councils must ensure that young people have the tools and spaces to share their views. Youth forums and youth councils can be great vehicles for this, but it’s also important to reach those young people who might be harder to engage.

It's going to be a very tough year for everyone, but especially so for vulnerable young people. To end youth homelessness, we need strong local leaders who are committed to working across the sector and with central government to push forward these policies.

Alicia Walker, is head of policy, research and campaigns at Centrepoint