RICS launches plan to reduce homelessness
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors has unveiled a new strategy designed to reduce the levels of homelessness in the UK.
RICS has published a paper which aims to “bring an end to this stain on our society”, with contributions from politicians and property veterans including Lord Kerslake, president of the Local Government Association and former head of the civil service and permanent secretary at the Department for Communities and Local Government.
Sean Tompkins, RICS chief executive, said: “This year 86,000 young people in the UK will be homeless – enough to fill the London O2 arena four times. Sadly, changes in our industry such as the fall in social housing provision, along with the ending of assured shorthold tenancies mean this number stands to increase further if the wider industry and government do not come together to collaboratively provide consensual solutions, and a long-term strategy.
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors has unveiled a new strategy designed to reduce the levels of homelessness in the UK.
RICS has published a paper which aims to “bring an end to this stain on our society”, with contributions from politicians and property veterans including Lord Kerslake, president of the Local Government Association and former head of the civil service and permanent secretary at the Department for Communities and Local Government.
Sean Tompkins, RICS chief executive, said: “This year 86,000 young people in the UK will be homeless – enough to fill the London O2 arena four times. Sadly, changes in our industry such as the fall in social housing provision, along with the ending of assured shorthold tenancies mean this number stands to increase further if the wider industry and government do not come together to collaboratively provide consensual solutions, and a long-term strategy.
“Our ‘Solutions to Youth Homelessness’ paper is a step in the right direction as the advice and insight in it from leaders in their field, can help form a policy approach that is truly the result of sectoral collaboration. The truth is there is no magic bullet to this – but by working collaboratively and being bold in every area we can make a real and lasting difference.”
Solutions to Youth Homelessness puts forward a range of possible solutions, including reform of the private rented sector; an overhaul of the support structure provided to young people; new ways to help younger residents sustain tenancies that improves their wellbeing and mental health; social housing options beyond the traditional; and ways industry can help with labour and skills.
The launch of the RICS paper coincides with its 150th anniversary and itsPledge150 campaign with property industry charity LandAid to raise funds for the young homeless across the UK.
Other contributors include Heather Wheeler, MP and minister for housing and homelessness; Bob Blackman, MP for Harrow East, and member of the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee; Lord Best, vice president of the Local Government Association; Paul Hackett, chief executive of UK housing provider Optivo; Michael Newey, chief executive of Broadland Housing; Jon Sparkes, chief executive of Crisis; Phil Spencer, broadcaster and property expert; and Philip Barnes, group land and planning director at Barratt.
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