The Audit Commission no longer carries out research on housing-related issues. This briefing summarises the key findings of our research that related to homelessness and housing advice.
Homelessness and poor housing can damage people’s lives
Homelessness reflects an inadequate supply of affordable housing in areas where people want to live. But there are broader issues, where people face social and financial problems that make it difficult for them to rent or buy.
Homelessness and poor housing blight the lives of people who experience them and create social problems for the wider community.
If only five per cent of empty homes could be brought back into use, councils could cut their annual homelessness costs by £0.5 billion.
In 2005 more than 10,000 households were living in temporary accommodation. This halved by 2010 in response to Government targets. The number of rough sleepers also reduced over the same period.
Working in partnership can deliver greater benefits than working in isolation
Good councils work with partners to develop strategies that minimise homelessness in the longer term. This includes co-ordinating efforts internally, particularly with adult and children’s services, but also with housing associations and the private sector.
Partnership working can help those in need of housing advice or support. Communities and Local Government (CLG) research found that investing £1.6 billion in the supporting people programme delivered £3.41 billion net financial benefits through reduced costs. One of the areas of cost reduction was homelessness.
Private rental has played a significant role in reducing homelessness. Councils have the power to regulate this sector through licensing to maintain the quality of housing and drive out ‘bad landlords’.
Councils are finding imaginative ways to tackle homelessness
Affordable housing provision is at its lowest levels for many years despite many councils focusing on the provision of new affordable housing to meet housing needs. Good councils understand how an effective strategic approach can help meet housing need.
High performing councils are aware of local issues and make low-cost interventions to reduce homelessness or the risk of people losing their homes. They encourage residents to help young people secure stable accommodation on leaving care and incentivise owners of empty properties to bring them back into use.
Action to address unlawful occupancy in London could release social housing worth over £1 billion. Effective housing advice services can prevent homelessness and reduce the use of temporary accommodation. Well-designed choice-based lettings schemes, nomination agreements with approved private sector landlords, and rent deposit schemes give potentially homeless people access to accommodation.
Audit Commission resources
Councils, registered social landlords, and other agencies can use previous Audit Commission reports to assess and develop their arrangements.