#BrexitHomelessness

#BrexitHomelessness - Most policy discussion of #Brexit has been on economic impacts, not on what it could mean for social policy.

But Brexit isn't just about dry numbers and statistics: it's about lives, and the type of country we want the UK to be.

#BrexitHomelessness - Our report for @crisis_uk and @HomelessLink looks at the ways #Brexit could affect #Homelessness

These aren't predictions of what will happen. But they set out the policy choices Government should make if Brexit is to improve rather than worsen the problem of homelessness in society.

Read the full report here.

#BrexitHomelessness - 160,000 households in the UK are homeless; by 2041 this could be close to 400,000.

Rough sleeping is the most visible manifestation of homelessness, but insecure accommodation, sofa-surfing and living in B&Bs are also important parts of the overall picture. Homelessness does not distinguish by nationality.

#BrexitHomelessness - #EU nationals in the UK will need a new immigration status after we leave the EU.

If EU nationals don't apply or are refused a new status - for example, because of a lack of documented employment - they risk finding themselves without access to services and support that they currently rely on, or may need in the future.

#BrexitHomelessness - The risks and opportunities around immigration statuses and rights

#BrexitHomelessness - Brexit risks making it harder for EU nationals to access employment, housing, and healthcare under the #hostileenvironment

'Right to rent', employment checks, and restrictions on healthcare can all put foreign nationals at higher risk of homelessness, either because it's harder for them to meet the requirements or because of discrimination.

#BrexitHomelessness - In London, half of residential construction workers are EU nationals

Brexit's impact on housing won't just affect EU nationals. Future housing supply is highly reliant on EU labour, particularly in areas with the greatest need for housing.

This risks causing delays and / or higher costs in building much-needed housing if these workers don't stay in the UK.

#BrexitHomelessness - The average age of death for a homeless person is just 47.

Healthcare is an essential service for homeless people. Homeless people are over twice as likely to report a physical health issue then the general public, nearly twice as likely to report a mental health problem, and the average age of death for a homeless person is just 47. Drug and alcohol abuse account for more than a third of these deaths.

As well as the impact of the hostile environment on access to healthcare for EU nationals, around 6.5% of all NHS staff are EU nationals. Depending on whether these staff remain in the country after Brexit, there could be increased waiting times for some types of care, with consequent effects on the treatment and prevention of health conditions for all homeless people.

#BrexitHomelessness - key opportunities and risks for homelessness around access to housing, healthcare, employment, and homelessness services

#BrexitHomelessness - EU funding for employment support in the UK between 2014-20 will be close to €5bn

The majority of this funding goes to England, but a funding per head comparison makes clear that Wales is significantly more reliant on this funding than either England or Scotland.

ESF-funded programmes can help to prevent and alleviate homelessness in two main ways: 

1) They can support people who are currently homeless get closer to the labour market; and 

2) They can support people who may be at risk of future homelessness by improving their skills and earning potential.

#BrexitHomelessness - A local, integrated, less bureaucratic fund, targeted at housing and homelessness, would be a huge benefit.

The 2017 Conservative Party Manifesto proposed a United Kingdom Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) to replace current European funding.

There is an opportunity to deliver funding for homelessness provision more locally, and in a more integrated way to recognise that homelessness often does not occur in isolation but alongside other issues such as health and employment difficulties – for example, a combined housing and employment support service could help to meet complex needs.

Metro Mayors are showing how local action to tackle homelessness can deliver results

1) They can demonstrate political leadership, driving the issue up the agenda and placing tackling homelessness at the centre of their mandate;

2) They can convene disparate sources of funding and expertise – including health, social care, employment support, and adult skills - to tackle the various related issues that contribute to homelessness in an area; and

3) They can encourage support across neighbouring local authorities to ensure that homelessness is addressed, rather than just relocated.

#BrexitHomelessness - key opportunities and risks around funding for homelessness prevention and relief

#BrexitHomelessness - Homelessness does not distinguish between nationality, and nor should vital services.

A new immigration system after Brexit should remove nationality-based barriers to accessing vital services that can reduce homelessness, and reduce the impact of homelessness.

#BrexitHomelessness - Returning British nationals risk being prevented from accessing vital services.

The flow of British expats returning from the European Union to Great Britain will also matter. Many of the returning UK nationals may have a number of characteristics that increase their risk of homelessness. This may be because of their age, difficulty in finding employment, lack of a support network, lack of capital, and difficulties in accessing benefits.

#BrexitHomelessness - key opportunities and risks around the bigger picture

Read the full report here.