Part 1 Just came across a news article on the BBC which grabbed my attention, regarding the link between the rise of homelessness and the welfare reforms. Not surprising you might say, although the source of the data is from the National Audit Office. Who took great care in explaining how much the “light touch approach” of the government in tackling the issue of homelessness is costing the tax payer.

Part 2 So, here’s the rub, there has been a 60% rise in the number of households living in temporary accommodation following a 4-year freeze on housing benefits, whilst at the same time private rents have continued to rise and construction of new social housing has simply stagnated. Meaning the tax payer has had to foot the bill of 1.1 billion pounds per year on providing temporary housing.

Part 3 Which in turn has allowed councils to fill the gap left by the private sector, who have in the past provided councils around the country with much needed accommodation in the absence of sufficient social housing. Begging the question, does simply freezing payments coupled with under investment in affordable housing really add up to long term savings and better outcomes for the most vulnerable in society? If you want to find out more check out the article at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-41241021