Summary: The Influence Of Social Policy On Homelessness

There has been a marked increase in essential expenditure. This is clearly documented by Sealey, C. in ‘Social Policy Simplified’ (2015) who states that house prices have “risen an average of 400%” since 1960. He goes on to assert that though the prices for needs such as food and fuel have not risen as dramatically, they continue to become more expensive and therefore less attainable for those living in poverty. It is well documented and sensical that this dramatic rise would lead to higher rates of relative poverty as well as homelessness as the two are so closely linked.

These definitions helped direct our research project as we felt they held a particular relevance to homeless and vulnerably housed young people.

While conducting our
Prior to the 1977 Homelessness Act, Local Authorities had no duty to provide accommodation to homeless individuals or families. Though the 1977 Act imposed a statutory duty, it was concerningly reminiscent of the earliest social work philanthropists who were to deem individuals either “deserving” or “undeserving”. This improved with the 2002 Homelessness Act which as Sealey offered “extended the duty on councils to house unintentionally homeless people, extended the list of applicants in priority need, and gave councils more flexibility in allocating their
Evidence for this includes, as Sealey offered “the main benefits that are meant to relieve poverty such as income benefit and job seekers allowance are set at a level which is below the poverty line”. This may be due to the Conservative credo believing that all support is a contributing detrimental factor as it is liable to lead to dependency. Sealey goes on to discuss that this belief leads to individuals substance needs not being met. He offers that “according to Crisis in 2014, 112,000 households applied to their local authority for homelessness assistance in 2013/14 which is a 26% rise of the previous