Preventing homelessness during the next phase of the pandemic

Lisa Naylor, Local Authority Practice Consultant

02.07.2020

As we move into the next phase of the pandemic, the challenges ahead for local authorities are clear with a rise in homelessness predicted from various sources. We’ve developed a new resource with initial thoughts and considerations to help local areas start preparing/ redesigning services and prevent homelessness where they can. This is part of a wider range of resources on our COVID-19 transition planning toolkit.  

Thinking ahead 

As attention turns to “what next” and the various forecasts of increased homelessness, we thought it would be useful to help start and frame the conversation on what this might mean for local areas. Our new guidance is intended to provide some early discussion points and we’ll be developing more practical resources to support it over the coming months. 

A prevention framework 

We have structured the guidance around the five areas of homelessness prevention developed by the UK Collaborative Centre for Housing Evidence. We have looked at the implications of COVID-19 on each and the changes and considerations for local services as a result: 

• Universal – Preventing or minimising homelessness risks across the population at large.  The economy shrunk by 20% in April, leading to forecasts of the biggest recession on record.  A sharp rise in unemployment is also underway 
• Targeted – Upstream prevention focused on high risk groups. Charities are predicting a rise in family breakdowns, increased incidences of domestic abuse and additional youth homelessness as a result of the pandemic   
• Crisis – Preventing homelessness likely to occur within 56 days. Recent polls show 48% of private renters are worried about making their payments over the next six months with 38% already behind, coupled with the end of the government’s moratorium on eviction cases in August
• Emergency – Support for those at immediate risk of homelessness, especially rough sleeping.  Many people have been supported under the “Everyone In” initiative, but we have seen consistent flows into rough sleeping throughout the pandemic from those in precarious or insecure living situations
• Recovery – Prevention of repeat homelessness and rough sleeping. The transition planning for everyone accommodated under “Everybody In” is both a huge udertaking and opportunity. It is vital the required accommodation and support is provided to sustain the temporary outcomes achieved to date 

Preparing local services 

We advocate working on a test and trial basis with service changes, whilst being housing-led and strength-based. Each prevention category is designed to open up discussion and thoughts around possible future scenarios and solutions. We have seen huge progress and flexibilities in local service systems during the emergency response. These need to be built on and developed further to support effective prevention during the next phases. 

We are always keen to hear from local authorities about the measures they're taking in their areas so please do contact us. We are always keen to collaborate and support where we can.