2,800 young people could be homeless this Christmas in the South West
Charity warns estimate is 'conservative' with real number even higher
Last updated 20th Nov 2022
A charity is warning the cost of living crisis will mean around 2,800 young people aged 16-24 in the South West will face homelessness this Christmas.
Centrepoint's 'conservative' prediction comes as research lays bare how the cost of living crisis is affecting people up to the age of 35.
Across England, it's estimated around 30,000 young people will face homelessness during the festive period.
The research found:
- One in five young people have skipped meals, sold possessions, or gone into debt in the last year, as prices soared
- 39% have worried about how to keep a roof over their head
- Half are concerned about the affordability of rent, mortgages and household bills next year
- 49% are worried how they'll be able to afford food in 2023.
Centrepoint has also reported an increase in calls to its Helpline in the last 12 months, driven by various factors including the soaring cost of living.
'Just £5 a week to live on'
The estimates of homelessness are based on the number of young people approaching their local council to declare they are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Seyi Obakin OBE, Centrepoint Chief Executive says, “This cost-of-living crisis is pushing vulnerable young people closer to breaking point than ever before.
“Everyone should be able to keep a roof over their heads, pay their bills and put food on the table.
“That is becoming increasingly difficult for the country’s most vulnerable young people, some of whom have just £5 a week to live on after rent and bills.
“This comes at an enormous personal cost of skipped meals, poor mental health and isolation.
Seyi added: “Around 30,000 young people could face homelessness this winter – but this is a conservative prediction, and it is likely that this number will be significantly higher.
“The government has taken some steps to support young people during this crisis, but it’s clear that they are still struggling. We need further action if we are to avoid more and more young people facing homelessness.”
Government statement
A Government spokesperson said:
“We are investing £2 billion over three years so we can end rough sleeping and prevent homelessness. This is providing thousands of beds, long-term supported homes and funding for councils to prevent evictions.
“More than half a million households have been prevented from becoming homeless since 2018 and we are helping households with the cost of living through a £37 billion cost of living support package to help the most vulnerable pay their bills and stay in their homes.”
Cost of living crisis continues
You can contact the Centrepoint Helpline on 0808 800 0661,.
You can find out more about the work of Centrepoint, and how you can donate to support their work, on their website
Interest rates and inflation go up
Inflation rose by 8.8% in the 12 months to January 2023, down from 9.2% in December 2022. With interest rates also rising to 4%, those saving money will earn more interest on their finances, whilst those paying mortgages would pay more interest to the bank.
Energy bills
The price of energy went up incredibly as the cost of living crisis hit, with the gas price spike caused largely by the war in Ukraine. The price cap - which is set by an independent regulator to help offset costs onto customers - was set to rise to £3,549 for an average home in October but a price freeze from the government restricted the typical bill to £2,500. That's still an increase of 27% from the previous energy cap and as it's a cap on unit cost, the more energy you use the higher your bill will be.
Food prices
The cost of a weekly shop also has gone up as a result of the cost of living crisis. As a result of the war in Ukraine, a number of products including cooking oils and wheat have been disrupted. This means that several products are now considerably more expensive, driving bills up for customers.
Prices at the pumps
The average cost of petrol has also rose to unprecedented levels. Supply lines for petrol have been thrown into doubt as a result of the war in Ukraine, as Russia is a large export partner for gas, oil and fuel. In April 2022, the average price for a litre of petrol on the forecourt was 160.2p, whilst a litre of diesel would cost 170.5p. By late June 2022 the price had risen to an average of 190.9p for a litre of unleaded and 198.9p for a litre of diesel. In March 2023 the price wass on average of 147.03 in petrol and 167.04 in diesel.
Average cost of filling up a car with petrol hits £100
On 9th June 2022, the average cost of filling up a car with petrol hit £100 for the first time ever. Diesel had already hit that milestone. It comes as the cost of fuel hit a record high of one pound eighty a litre. The 2p rise was the biggest daily jump in 17 years. Prices have dropped by at least 20p per litre since the high point.