Compulsory advantages scheme pushes homeless youth out of employment
In the heart of the UK, a collective effort known as the #PlanForThe136k campaign was launched in summer 2023, aiming to address the issue of outdated benefit rules that affect over 136,000 young people living in supported accommodation. This campaign, spearheaded by organisations such as Centrepoint, YMCA, DePaul, New Horizon Youth Centre, and the National Housing Federation, among others, is an open letter to the Chancellor, urging a comprehensive strategy to end youth homelessness in the country.
The campaign highlights the 'punishment' of people rebuilding their lives in supported accommodation due to the current benefit system. Leon Ward, CEO of mybnk, a financial education charity, points out the unjust benefit trap that penalises young people in supported accommodation for working. As they earn more hours, these young individuals often face a steep reduction in housing benefit, resulting in less overall income. This situation leaves many unable to afford essentials like food.
The Greater Manchester Mayor's Charity, represented by Fran Darlington-Pollock, supports the #PlanForThe136k campaign. They believe that the current housing benefit taper rate widens inequities in the system for young people in supported accommodation. The charity advocates for a system that supports work, rather than penalising these vulnerable individuals.
Across the UK, it is estimated that almost 136,000 young people were presented to their local authority as homeless or at risk of it between April 2022 and March 2023. The campaign argues that the current housing benefit policies do not adequately support young people in supported accommodation, potentially forcing them into homelessness. These rules fail to recognise the higher costs and specific needs of supported housing, which provides essential support services alongside accommodation.
The National Wealth Fund, previously known as the UK Infrastructure Bank, has undergone a rebranding. Meanwhile, an Oldbury site has been named the most prestigious building of the year, although further details about the site are not provided in the paragraph.
London Councils have reported that 15% of young people were under 18 when they first experienced rough sleeping. The #PlanForThe136k campaign is a significant step towards addressing this issue and ensuring a brighter future for countless young people in the UK.
[1] It is important to note that without reform, thousands of vulnerable young people may lose access to safe housing, exacerbating youth homelessness rather than alleviating it.
- The #PlanForThe136k campaign, which seeks a comprehensive strategy to end youth homelessness in the UK, emphasizes the importance of addressing the unjust benefit trap that punishes young people in supported accommodation by reducing their housing benefits as they work.
- In the midst of the politics surrounding policy-and-legislation, the general news in the UK has highlighted the concern of organizations like the Greater Manchester Mayor's Charity, who support the campaign and argue that the current housing benefit taper rate widens inequities for young people in supported accommodation, potentially forcing them into homelessness.
