Monday 25 October 2010

How will the Community Spending Review cuts really affect homelessness and what are the solutions?


It seems that there are several different ways the Community Spending Review will impact upon homeless clients:   
  • Changes to Housing Benefit payments. Anyone under 35 years old (previously 25 years old) will receive just enough to cover the cost of a shared house. Will this affect those living in hostels? How will it affect those single people already in independent accommodation settling after years of homelessness?
  • Council Tax Benefit is to be reduced by 10%. How will this affect those already struggling to keep up with household bills and payments?
  • Changes to ESA (Employment Support Allowance) and JSA (Job Seekers Allowance) payments depending on contributions made and length receiving specific benefits. How will this affect those most vulnerable and unable to work?
  • Less funding for probation services, yet fewer people sent to prison. Where do offenders get support from and where is the incentive to prevent people reoffending?
Please comment if you can identify any more areas relating to homelessness that will be affected by the spending review, with any comments for solutions.

1 comment:

  1. hi, about time there was a spending review on hostel rents,and service charges,do people get value for money...or is it a poverty trap,because to get a job,and try to pay high hostel rents,is hard even for the most able people....
    regards team homeless uk
    ps evidence to verify this if wished

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