MP backs charity’s aim to end homelessness

Oldham East and Saddleworth MP Debbie Abrahams

Oldham East and Saddleworth MP Debbie Abrahams is backing national homelessness charity Crisis in their bid to end homelessness for good. 

Mrs Abrahams said: “In 2018/19, 1,119 households received assistance from Oldham Council for homelessness.

"And these figures do not reflect people who are the ‘hidden’ homeless and do not approach the local authority for help. 

“Homelessness is devastating, impacting people’s mental and physical health and holding people back from moving on with their lives.

"Ultimately, it can and must be ended, both in Oldham East and Saddleworth, and across the whole country.

"I am proud to support and work with Crisis to end to all forms of homelessness once and for all.

“The Government recently announced that for the next year, housing benefit rates will be unfrozen and increased by inflation.

"This increase is not enough for families to keep their homes and prevent homelessness. 

“In the housing benefit area for Oldham and Rochdale, the monthly gap between housing benefit and the cheapest third of rents for a family with one or two children is £23.

“I’m supporting Crisis’ call for housing benefit to be restored to cover the cheapest third of local private rents.

"Their research shows this will release 35,000 children from the constraints of poverty and result in net financial benefits of £2.1billion.”

There are more than 170,000 families and individuals across Britain experiencing the worst forms of homelessness, including those living on the streets, sleeping in cars, trains, and tents, or living in unsuitable temporary accommodation.

Alongside providing year-round services to people experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness to support them into secure housing and employment, Crisis campaigns for the changes to make ending homelessness possible in the next decade.

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