Morgan Vine, Director of Policy and Influencing at Independent Age, responded to the Government's latest homelessness statistics:
“More older people are homeless now than at any point since records began, with close to 14,000 people aged 65 and over facing homelessness in England. The UK Government's latest figures show that there have been shocking increases in homelessness at all ages. Among people aged 65 and over homelessness has risen by 11.4% since last year.
“Older private renters tell us they live in fear of eviction by their landlords – which can currently happen without cause - and face the very real prospect of being homeless at short notice. Following the release of today’s homelessness statistics, the UK Government must take action in the upcoming budget and through the Renters’ Rights Bill which older renters need to see become a reality as soon as possible. The Bill is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to implement stricter rules to protect older renters, including bringing an end to unfair section 21 evictions.
“In the upcoming Budget, we urge the UK Government to commit to keeping Local Housing Allowance rates aligned to rising rents, to give older renters in financial hardship peace of mind that the cost of staying in their home will not put more stress on their budgets in the long-term.”