Current needs % wanting help1
(n=160)
Finding permanent accommodation 74
Getting into a hostel 20
Getting into a night shelter 8
Money problems 54
Physical health problems 26
Mental health problems 21
Drug problem 23
Alcohol problem 6
Getting state benefits 24
Finding work 61
Other2 17
Notes:
1. Interviewees were able to give multiple responses.
2. Other needs identified were education, training and job skills, and help with individual problems such as dealing with social service teams in relation to looked after children; coping with stress, the effects of abuse and relationships; arranging replacements forms of identification and payment for items including vets’ bills and car tax.
Table 2.5 illustrates that the most commonly identified need was help to find permanent accommodation. Those who did not state this need tended to be people who already had
semi-permanent accommodation or were living in hostels that they could occupy for a considerable length of time (in some cases up to two years in total).
Although accommodation was the most pressing matter for most of the young people, when they were asked about what they would like help with in terms of their current needs, several other issues arose. The data suggest that for many young people pathways out of homelessness require more than accessing permanent accommodation, but also addressing the other problems such as financial difficulties, unemployment and substance use which put them at risk of being unable to sustain tenancies.
The majority of those interviewed were able to discuss their future plans for getting accommodation. They found it easier to state what they wanted but rather more difficult to indicate how they would achieve it. Some interviewees were able to list a number of options that were open to them, whilst others appeared to have no idea about how they would access permanent accommodation. Most young people aspired to have a ‘home of their own’, which usually meant renting a flat or house that they could occupy alone or with a partner. Most appeared to be relying on accessing housing association or council accommodation, although some interviewees were exploring the possibility of seeking accommodation in the private rented sector. Homeless young people face multiple barriers to renting in the private sector. This was recognised by many of the interviewees, who felt that the realistic options open to them were likely to be bed sits, shared houses or accessing accommodation in cheaper locations.
Most of the young people interviewed appeared to be aware of the difficulties of accessing permanent accommodation. Commonly cited difficulties are listed below.
● Lack of awareness: some young people found it difficult, especially when they first became homeless, to know where to go to get help.
● Waiting lists: to access social housing young people have to negotiate a series of bureaucratic procedures relating to benefits and housing applications. These can be time-consuming and difficult to understand hence some young people give up. ● Lack of accommodation: Interviewees frequently mentioned shortages of social
housing and affordable housing in the private rented sector.
● Financial exclusion (limited incomes, high rents, lack of money for advance rent payments and bonds, and previous rent arrears).
● Other forms of exclusion: many landlords are unwilling to let properties to people dependent on benefits.
● Age-related policies: the single room rent policy11, for example, restricts the
amount of rent available through housing benefit for single people under the age of 25 and results in the reluctance of private sector landlords to rent to young people. This was a particular problem in Canterbury and Brighton and Hove where rents are higher than the national average.
● Housing policy: some young people were either deemed ineligible for housing by the local authority or were likely to have to wait a considerable time to access it. This was largely because they were not in priority need12, had been classified as
intentionally homeless or were seeking housing in areas where they did not have a local connection.
11. Single room rent is limited to the average local cost of a privately rented non self-contained single room with shared toilets, bathrooms and kitchens. This is irrespective of whether such accommodation is available locally. 12. At the time of the research in England, the following groups qualified for priority need: pregnant women; people with dependent children; people who are vulnerable as a result of old age, mental illness or handicap, physical disability or other special reason; people who are homeless as a result of a disaster, such as a flood or fire. On 31 July 2002 under the Homeless (Priority Need for Accommodation) (England) Order 2002, it was extended to include 16 and 17-year-olds (with exceptions); care leavers aged between 18 and 20 who were looked after, accommodated or fostered by the local authority when aged 16 or 17; people aged 21 or over who are vulnerable as a result of being looked after, accommodated or fostered; people who are vulnerable as a result of fleeing violence or threats of violence; and, people who are vulnerable as a result of spending time in the armed forces or having been in prison or remanded in custody. The meaning of ‘vulnerable’ has not been statutorily defined and is therefore determined by the local authority. The National Assembly for Wales introduced similar legislation on 1 March 2001, without the requirement to establish vulnerability.
This chapter explores the use of tobacco, alcohol and illegal drugs amongst the young people interviewed, considers the effects of such use and examines the context in which it occurs.