News

This Commons Library briefing paper explains the key differences between assistance with housing costs under the Housing Benefit regime and under Universal Credit. The paper considers evidence of the impact of claiming housing costs under UC to date and the Government response. Read the full report here

Homelessness has been rising since 2010. The scale and nature of homelessness is difficult to understand, and can be a complex problem to solve – housing alone is often not the only solution, particularly when people already have poor health or other needs that require additional support. The information and ideas in this briefing aim to support local authorities in protecting and improving their population’s

Homelessness remains a critical social problem because of a shortage of affordable housing, the lingering effects of a deep economic recession and government cuts to housing and other social benefits. People are working on programmes, services and policy changes to prevent and reduce homelessness, and moving public thinking is a critical part of social change work. If members of the public recognise homelessness as an

The purpose of this research series is to listen to young people of a particular country, highlight their concerns and aspirations, and use the data gathered to better inform policy and practice. The British Council’s objective is to create more opportunities for young people around the world to engage with each other – and through this engagement unleash their creativity. Next Generation aims to understand

The private rented sector is housing more people than ever before, and for much longer. It is vital that these homes are safe and decent, happy, healthy and comfortable. The Housing and Planning Act 2016 gives local councils new powers to identify, fine and ban landlords who do not keep their properties in good condition. This new briefing encourages local councils to use these important

The latest homelessness figures from Wales following the introduction of measures to increase prevention work and to help more people provide a bleak picture and a worrying insight for authorities in England, in light of the implementation of the Homelessness Reduction Act in 2018.  It is worth noting that despite the overwhelming increase in homelessness, local authorities have achieved continued high levels of preventing homelessness,

Homelessness has increased across all measures since 2010, with many local authorities now seeing it as a risk to their financial sustainability. This new report from the National Audit Office found that the Department for Communities and Local Government does not have a published cross government strategy to prevent and tackle homelessness. It has, however, acknowledged the scale of the challenge and plans to improve the