WIREDGOV

Providence Row is urging the government to use the budget on March 23rd to slow down its cuts. This leading London homelessness charity warns that, if pursued, the cuts could result in hefty spending further down the line.

“Over the next few years many vulnerable people will be hit by a triple threat of rising rents, lower housing benefit and the loss of benefits under the universal credit system if they do not go into work - all leading to a very real threat of homelessness. The people we see want to work but are often simply not able; they have other barriers to overcome first such as physical or mental health problems,” said Acting CEO of Providence Row, Lisa Harrison. 

“The government has pledged to protect the most vulnerable in society and slowing down the introduction of these cuts could achieve that. Too deep too soon might well mean an increase in homelessness paired with a reduction in funding for those that help the most vulnerable in our society.”

Increased homelessness will cost the taxpayer and the state more as the government tries to reduce the deficit. Limited access to local GPs often means that minor illnesses become major ones and result in expensive treatments at A&E. Emergency accommodation is also expensive: it costs over £400 per week to house one person in a hostel and with a lack of affordable private rentals for people to move into this bill looks set to rise.

The lives and stories of homeless people are complex and varied. Hear and see their stories at an exhibition of the innovative 150 Voices project. Commissioned by Providence Row, it gives people such as James a voice, “Due to the recent recession I lost my job, I lost my flat and I lost my family.” James is now housed but his story along with many others serves as a reminder of the struggle of poverty.

150 Voices will be exhibited at the Londonewcastle Project Space on 28 Redchurch Street, London E2 7DP from 8-13 April and admission is free. The project can currently be viewed online at www.150voices.com

Acting Chief Executive, Lisa Harrison is available for interview and comment. Contact Dipika Kulkarni on 020 7422 6763. 

Notes to editors

• £400 per week to house one person in a hostel includes catering costs at an East London hostel. Costs vary considerably depending on people’s support needs and can be as high as £700-800 per week for those who require more care.
• The full DWP bill including all sanctions and offences can be found here www.dwp.gov.uk/policy/welfare-reform/legislation-and-key-documents/welfare-reform-bill-2011.
• Last year 3,763 people slept rough on London’s streets and 35% of those were experiencing mental health problems according to the CHAIN ‘Street to Home’ Annual Report 2009-2010 - www.broadwaylondon.org/CHAIN/NewsletterandReports.
• Providence Row currently sees up to 100 people per day but is anticipating greater numbers if all proposed cuts go ahead.
• To find out more about what Providence Row does go to www.providencerow.org.uk/what-we-do.