Growing concern about homelessness

Co-operative Bank

People in the North West are increasingly concerned about the problem of homelessness in the region, however just 5% think enough is being done to tackle the issue, Research from The Co-operative Bank has revealed.

More than two-thirds (68%) of those in the North West think the level of homelessness in the region has worsened over the past two years.

While 38% believe this is a problem affecting the region as a whole, 18% highlight cities as being disproportionately impacted. Factors including the high cost of renting (58%) and changes to the welfare system (53%) are highlighted as contributing to the problem.

The findings show that a number of people have even experienced the issue first hand - with more than one in ten (14%) saying they have worried about being made homeless themselves at some point. The issue is particularly acute amongst younger people; one in seven (14%) 18-34-year olds in the region know someone who has slept on the streets for one night or more, and a tenth (10%) know someone who stayed in a stranger’s home just to have a bed for the night.

Despite this growing awareness of the problem, many want more to be done and 57% are calling for further action. When asked what could be done to better combat homelessness in the North West, half called for more affordable housing provision (51%) and 42% better social care, with over a third (36%) identifying better local council support (36%). Almost a fifth (17%) thought that better financial education could play a part in helping those facing the problem.

The Co-operative Bank partnered with Centrepoint earlier this year to raise awareness and funding to help young people in the North West in particular. It will provide support through a number of initiatives, including its donation of £25 to the charity for every one of its new mortgage customers.

This money will go towards funding The Centrepoint Helpline, where people can get in touch for advice or guidance for themselves, or someone they know. The Bank will also give to Centrepoint’s Manchester Hub which provides help for Central and Greater Manchester’s young homeless community.