The document discusses current issues around youth homelessness in the UK, including rising trends, impacts of economic downturn and welfare reforms, and mitigation efforts. It notes that youth are the most disadvantaged group in the housing market and need support beyond just housing. National data shows increases in youth homelessness and reductions in services. The document outlines efforts to mitigate impacts, like funding commitments and emphasis on joint working locally. It argues for a pathway approach centered around young people's needs, with prevention, integrated support systems, and accommodation options beyond just housing.

1. Current Issues and Concerns
Anna Whalen
Youth Homelessness Adviser

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• Current and projected trends
• Mitigating negative impacts
• Re-thinking young people, transition
and accommodation needs

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Young people in housing need
are……
• Arguably the most disadvantaged
group in the housing market
• Making the transition to adulthood –
sometimes learning by mistakes
• In need of other types of support, not
just a roof over their heads

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National picture
• Economic downturn and youth
unemployment
• Supply of affordable housing
• Welfare reform changes: impact on
families and single people
• Reductions in public spending – impact
on services for young people

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Current and projected trends in
youth housing needs
• HL survey – 48% of local authorities
cited an increase in demand
• Acceptances of under 25 singles is
lower in 2010/11 than in 2006/07
• B & B use for 16/17 year olds reported
at lowest level since we began
monitoring
• Increase in complexity and lowering
age of presentations
• Reductions in some areas of SP
services

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The impact of Southwark judgment on
16/17 year olds
• Variable across England
• Rise in looked after 16/17 years since
2007 – pre the judgment
• 2009 – newly LAC 16/17 yr olds: 1,280
(6% of total of newly looked after)
• 2011 – newly LAC 16/17 yr olds:2,660 (
10% of total of newly looked after)

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Mitigating negative impacts at
national level
 Ministerial Working Group on
homelessness
 Commitment to tackling rough sleeping
and funding to support
 £400 million over next 4 years to tackle
and prevent homelessness -
maintained level of investment

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Mitigating negative impacts at
national level
 £6.5 billion for Supporting People over
next 4 years - less than 1 per cent
average cash reduction
 £130 million DHP
 £50 million implementing HB reforms
 £20 million Homeless Transition Fund
 £37.5 million for Homelessness
Change Programme – new hostel
investment from April 2012

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Mitigating negative impacts
locally – the broad approach
• Joint and integrated working
• Smart joint commissioning
• Pathway approach
• Key role for the voluntary sector
• Leadership
• Young people at the heart of planning
• Homelessness strategies linked to
CYP’s Plans

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Hold on to what we know works
For example:
•Education work - reality checking
•Mediation
•Services not bound by age and
legal status
•Slowing down at crisis point
•A menu of supported
accommodation provision
•Access to the PRS
•Floating support

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What makes a difference
to young people?
• Care about us
• Go the extra mile
• Give clear and realistic information
• Support our transition – its our whole
lives not just housing
• Actively encourage our aspirations

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Rethinking young people, transition
and accommodation needs

13. The youth homelessness
pathway

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Positive pathway model

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A positive pathway requires:
• A whole systems approach locally
• Investment in prevention and
integrated support – its not just about
housing
• Community budget/joint commissioning
approach
• An integrated & seamless front door to
options, advice, planning and
assessment of needs

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Any questions?
annawhalen@btinternet.com