Recent data show why sanctions policy should take more account of individual circumstances.
The number of “street homeless” (living outside even temporary formal accommodation) is growing.
Most recent official information (for 2014) shows a 14% national increase. According to new data from the Mayor of London, in 2015 there were nearly twice as many rough sleepers in the capital as in 2009/10.
Our experience in Surrey is similar. More clients without a proper place to stay are seeking help. There’s no single reason for the increase. Nor a single remedy. But policy-makers, charities and others with ideas must work together to bring the numbers down.
That’s why we’ve begun a campaign to brief local policy-makers and stakeholders about a small change to policy that could stop one unnecessary cause of homelessness.
If local officials could take more account of individual circumstances when imposing benefit sanctions our client (now living in a tent) and others like him would not have been added to the homeless register.
Small change, but important.