There is an unseen rise of homelessness in rural England.
Recent statistics have shown that rural England has witnessed a staggering 40% surge in homelessness over the past five years.
This Paints a distressing picture of individuals grappling with insecurity and the lack of a roof over their heads.
As the countryside charity CPRE sheds light on this concerning trend, it becomes apparent that the idyllic landscapes of rural areas harbor a silent crisis that demands urgent attention.
The Unveiling Statistics
CPRE’s recent findings expose the stark reality that homelessness in rural regions has surged from 17,212 in 2018 to a disheartening 24,143 in 2023. This reveals a deep-seated issue that transcends the challenges faced in many urban centers, including major cities like London, Leeds, or Norwich.
The Human Cost
Behind these statistics lie stories of individuals enduring unimaginable hardships, sleeping in open air, tents, or makeshift shelters.
A surge of 40 people per 100,000 resorting to rough sleeping in September 2023 signals a housing emergency, prompting concerns about the accuracy of the figures and the prevalence of “hidden homelessness,” such as sofa-surfing.
Root Causes
The cost-of-living crisis in the G7 nation and the world’s sixth-largest economy plays a pivotal role in propelling this surge in homelessness.
With a cost-of-living crisis gripping the nation and record-high property prices, many find themselves on the brink of destitution.
Charities point to factors such as cuts to welfare payments over the last decade and a persistent housing shortage as exacerbating food poverty and homelessness.
Food Insecurity on the Rise
The Trussell Trust, the UK’s largest food bank network, adds another layer to this grim scenario. It reports an unprecedented surge in the number of food parcel handouts, reaching 1.5 million between April and September 2023, a 16% increase from the previous year. These alarming figures echo the depth of poverty spreading across the country, intertwining with the escalating homelessness crisis.
Urgent Call to Action
In the face of this burgeoning crisis, CPRE has called upon the UK government to redefine the term “affordable housing,” urging it to align with average local incomes.
Simultaneously, the charity advocates for a substantial increase in the housing stock, recognizing that systemic changes are essential to address the root causes of this rural homelessness surge.
What’s Next?
As rural England grapples with a hidden homelessness crisis, it is imperative for society to confront the multifaceted challenges that contribute to this alarming surge.
Beyond the statistics lie individuals yearning for a sense of security and a place to call home. Urgent action, both in policy and public awareness, is required to unravel this crisis.
Culled in by Fortune Omosola
