The Young and Homeless 2018 report by homelessness services membership body Homeless Link, includes a survey of nearly 200 providers and council representatives.
Among homelessness providers, 55 per cent reported an increase in demand among young people for their services over the last year and 45 per cent said there had been an increase in young men sleeping rough.
More than a quarter of young people accessing services over the last 12 months are aged 16 or 17. Those responding to the survey said that a key factor in the rise is the challenges young people face around welfare reforms.
Around nine out of 10 (92 per cent) said that delays in receiving Universal Credit are impacting on youth homelessness rates. Benefit sanctions are cited as a factor by 90 per cent and 80 per cent said the cap on housing benefit is also having an effect.
Register Now to Continue Reading
Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's Included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector
Already have an account? Sign in here
