2. Restricted
• Current and projected trends
• Mitigating negative impacts
• Re-thinking young people, transition
and accommodation needs
3. Restricted
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
4. Restricted
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
5. Restricted
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
6. Restricted
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)
7. Restricted
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
8. Restricted
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
9. Restricted
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
10. Restricted
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
11. Restricted
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
15. Restricted
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
16. Restricted
Any questions?
annawhalen@btinternet.com
