202,200 households to be homeless by 2026

Overall numbers of homelessness are estimated to rise by more than a quarter in the coming decade, says a report by Crisis.

Currently 160,000 households are homeless (with a total homeless population of 236,000); this is expected to rise to 202,200 households by 2026.

By 2041, a staggering 392,400 households are expected to be homeless.

Crisis report that the main driving factors of homelessness are poverty, low availability and affordability of housing, lack of prevention measures, unsuitable temporary accommodation, lack of funding, and certain demographic issues.

Homelessness has increased by 33% between 2011 and 2016.

At the moment, 9,100 are sleeping rough, 68,300 are ‘sofa surfing’, and 19,300 are in unsuitable temporary accommodation.

By 2041, 40,100 are expected to be sleeping rough, 119,100 are expected to be ‘sofa surfing’, and 117,500 are expected to be in unsuitable temporary accommodation.

What help is available?

If you are struggling to cover your housing costs you may be entitled to Housing Benefit, Universal Credit, Support for Mortgage Interest, or Council Tax Support.

You can use our Benefits Calculator to check what you are entitled to.

You may also be eligible for a grant; you can use our Grants Search to find out.

There are also a number of helpful arrangements, such as Discretionary Housing Payments, Energy schemes, and Water schemes.