Homelessness Funding Falls Short in North East, Say Experts

Strategic Insights -

The North East of England is to receive a £1.5 million share of the government's £84 million winter funding package aimed at preventing homelessness, a paltry allocation compared to other regions. Despite concerns over a significant spike in rough sleeping, the region's share is the second-lowest, with only the East of England receiving less. Homelessness charities have expressed disappointment and frustration, stating that the funding does not reflect the scale of the challenge the region is facing.

Key Takeaways:

  • The North East of England is to receive £1.5 million from the government's £84 million winter funding package aimed at preventing homelessness.
  • The allocation is the second-lowest among all regions, with the East of England receiving less.
  • The region's share is 1.7% of the national allocation, which charities have described as "just not enough".
  • There were an estimated 124 people sleeping rough in the North East on a single night in autumn 2024, the highest since records began in 2010 and more than double the figure of 61 in 2022.
  • The number of households per 1,000 classed as homeless or at risk of homelessness is at or above the national average in nine of the 12 council areas across the North East and Tees Valley.
  • Homelessness charities have expressed concerns over the rising cost of living, shortage of affordable homes, and pressure on local support networks.

Statistics:

  • £1.5 million: The North East's share of the government's £84 million winter funding package aimed at preventing homelessness.
  • 1.7%: The North East's allocation as a percentage of the national allocation.
  • 124: The estimated number of people sleeping rough in the North East on a single night in autumn 2024.
  • 61: The estimated number of people sleeping rough in the North East on a single night in 2022.
  • 39%: The increase in rough sleepers in the North East from 2023 to 2025.
  • £70 million: The amount allocated to improve local homelessness services.
  • £11 million: The amount allocated to help families with children living in temporary accommodation access basics like wifi and laundry.
  • £3 million: The amount allocated to support people with drug or alcohol related issues who are sleeping rough.
  • £950 million: Labour's investment to increase the supply of good temporary accommodation and abolish 'no fault' evictions.

Sources:

  • The Local Democracy Reporting Service
  • Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG)
  • Emmaus North East charity
  • Changing Lives homelessness charity
  • Government announcement on World Homeless Day