Thousands of Children Homeless in the UK
- Amy Stanton
- 12 hours ago
- 3 min read
Mia Yaffes explores the causes, consequences, and calls for urgent action in light of the record numbers of children currently facing homelessness in the UK.
Photo by: Harry Shelton
The UK government defines statutory homelessness as children living somewhere without any legal rights to stay, whilst temporary accommodation can include places such as hostels, B&Bs and other impermanent situations.
A troubling statistic regarding children facing homelessness in the UK has been revealed.
Recent government data outlined by Shelter states that, as of September 2024, around 164,040 children are homeless and living in temporary accommodation. Unfortunately, the number is at a record high and reflects a concerning 15% increase from the previous year.
Undoubtedly, youth homelessness disrupts education, negatively impacts mental health and can even lead to substance abuse. The government is under pressure to take immediate action in implementing effective solutions to address child homelessness.
Did you know? The cost-of-living crisis, family conflicts and discrimination against minority groups significantly contribute to youth homelessness?
Causes of youth homelessness
Since 2021, the cost-of-living crisis has seen increasing prices of everyday essentials and living costs, which disproportionately affects vulnerable groups and contributes to housing insecurity. At the start of this crisis, an estimated 4.3 million children were living in poverty, with parents battling to afford everyday essentials, such as rent or food.
People living below the poverty line, coupled with an unstable job market or living in a single-income household, shows displacement figures growing rapidly.
Another catalyst of youth homelessness is family conflict. Strained relationships between children and parents or guardians, domestic abuse or neglect, can drive a child to seek an alternate, temporary housing situation.
Unfortunately, the risk of homelessness is disproportionately greater for youth in minority groups, such as members of the LGBT+ or asylum seekers. Reportedly, almost a quarter of homeless youth are LGBT+, forced to couch-surf after facing discrimination and worries for their safety. Additionally, refugees and asylum seekers who are new to the UK, having escaped the adversity from their own country, often find themselves without a stable place to live. Black people are also three times more likely to experience homelessness than any other race in the UK.
While some of these young people are sleeping rough, outside or without shelter, a huge number are part of the ‘hidden homeless,’ sleeping with a roof over their head, but on sofas or cars and other less conspicuous places.
The Upsetting Impact
Being homeless inevitably has a damaging impact on a child’s mental health. Many of the potential effects include social isolation, alongside increased stress from constantly moving around and not knowing the next place to stay. Worryingly, the extreme levels of depression and anxiety can sometimes lead to substance misuse.
Many of the temporary accommodations that the children stay in are criticised for their inadequate conditions. Trust for London asserts that the overcrowding and insufficient facilities (such as lack of Wi-Fi or cooking amenities) render temporary accommodation as dangerous and detrimental to physical and mental wellbeing. Other safety issues that can arise in temporary housing include faulty electrics or mould. Solutions must be implemented to mitigate this crisis.
“A high number of young people come to us with mental health problems. That's often because of the circumstances they're in - whether it's the family situation or if they’ve been in an uncertain position. Maybe they’re sofa surfing or sleeping rough, that’ll also be causing them anxiety and depression.”Maddy Lewis-Smith, Service Coordinator at Dorset Nightstop.
Actions required
What actions should be demanded of the UK government to prevent the growth of youth homelessness and support those currently stuck in it?
Housing and homelessness charity, Shelter, argues that homelessness can combatted if political parties commit to building 90,000 affordable social homes that comply with local income rates. In addition, Shelter advocates for revisions to the current Renters (Reform) Bill to enhance safety and security for private renters.
As John Glenton, Executive Director at the housing association Riverside, rightly points out: “Some children are now spending around a third of their entire childhood living in temporary accommodation rather than a permanent family home. […] This is not acceptable in one of the world’s richest nations.”
In conclusion
Child homelessness in the UK presents a dire and growing challenge that demands urgent action from all sectors of society. The statistics paint a stark picture of an issue that not only disrupts education and endangers mental health but also places vulnerable young lives at serious risk.
Addressing the root causes, from economic hardships to social inequalities, and implementing comprehensive housing policies are imperative steps. Every child deserves the chance to grow up with the security of a permanent home and the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Similar articles: Mental Health: Charities in UK Alarmed at Youth Crisis
Researcher & Editor: Molly Denton | Online Editors: Alison Poole & Amy Stanton
