Independent analysis of homelessness data in the UK
Posted on 4 December 2012
The Homelessness Monitor is a major five-year independent study into the impact of the economic downturn and policy developments on homelessness in each of the countries of the UK. The second year of the study, undertaken by Heriot-Watt University and the University of York, is being published by the homelessness charity Crisis. A summary of the findings across GB is available (see below)
The key areas of interest are the homelessness consequences of the post-2007 economic recession and the housing market downturn. The other main thrust of inquiry is the likely impacts of the welfare, housing and other social policy reforms, including cutbacks in public expenditure, being pursued by the coalition Government elected in 2010. Four homeless groups are looked at specifically:
- People sleeping rough
- Single homeless people living in hostels, shelters and temporary supported accommodation
- Statutorily homeless households – that is, households who seek housing assistance from local authorities on grounds of their being currently or imminently without accommodation
- 'Hidden homeless' households - such as those subject to severe overcrowding, or forced to live with others in 'concealed' or 'shared' households.
For more details see below.
Homelessness Monitor GB Summary link here / Press release (MS Word 
, 75kb)
Homelessness Monitor Scotland Summary link here / Press Release Scotland (MS Word , 52kb)