Parliament and Politics: Housing forum urges more help for young
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.(First Edition)
THE Government should set up a unit to co-ordinate housing for the young, among a raft of measures to head off the growing crisis of homelessness, a study says. Homes for Our Children, published today to coincide with National Housing Week, calls for urgent action by a host of agencies to provide young people with the stable base 'vital for their development'. Local authorities must treat all homeless 16- and 17-year-olds as vulnerable and 'in need' under the 1989 Children Act, so that they are offered housing and social support.
But according to the National Housing Forum - which brings together local authority associations, pressure groups and housing institutes - one of the key obstacles to young people finding homes is the benefits system, as most require financial assistance.
Young people, it says, have been disproportionately and critically affected by cuts and changes in the benefits system. 'The extreme difficulty of obtaining loans or grants for the cost of setting up home is deterring some young people who need to leave home, and who may then remain in situations where they are abused or at risk,' the report says.
It urges the Government to restore benefit levels for 18- to 24-year-olds to that of over-25s, and make income support available to those aged 16 and 17 who need to live independently.
Homes for Our Children; the National Housing Forum, c/o Association of District Councils, 26 Chapter Street, London SW1 4ND; price pounds 10.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments