Charity Says Young People Are At Serious Risk of Homelessness

Centrepoint

9,000 Youngsters Could Be Made Homeless by Housing Benefit Cuts, Warns Charity.

Homelessness charity Centrepoint estimates that 9,000 youngsters will be at risk of sleeping in the streets because of the changes – based on the number of 18-21 year olds currently claiming the benefit but not covered by exemptions.

Centrepoint has warned: “There is no simple or reliable way to put together a comprehensive list of exemptions which protect young people who cannot return to the family home.

The changes to the housing benefit section of the Universal Credit payment were part of the Conservative’s 2015 General Election manifesto – and were estimated to save the Treasury £95million.

Campaigners are opposed to the plan and they have been hopeful that Theresa May and new Work and Pensions Secretary Damian Green would axe the policy in a move away from the austerity-driven focus of their predecessors.

The Government slipped out confirmation the changes would come into force in a matter of weeks, despite strong criticism from homelessness charities.

The policy will not apply to those with dependent children, care leavers, those in temporary accommodation or young people who have been working for the previous 6 months.

An exemption will also apply if the Secretary of State judges it is inappropriate for individuals to live with their parents due to a threat of violence and other reasons. Campaigners are not convinced however and fear that many young people will end up on the streets. 

Image: Centrepoint