What's changed?

Fifty years on from Cathy Come Home, it’s worth asking: “Where has half a century of action on homelessness got us?” And, brutally, in stark number terms, the answer is virtually nowhere.

In 1965, 27,000 people were reported as living in hostels, shelters and lodging houses. In 1979, two years on from the Housing (Homeless Persons) Act, 55,530 households were accepted as homeless by local authorities.

And now? In 2015, 56,500 households were accepted as homeless and in priority need, with 73,120 families in temporary accommodation. Progress during the 2000s has reversed, with a 35% increase in homelessness acceptances since 2009.

At Network Homes we’ve delved deeper into the reasons, with research to coincide with the anniversary of Ken Loach’s seminal film.

Until the 2000s, housing supply had matched and often outstripped demand since the 1950s. We can argue about location, but theoretically enough homes were being built to go around. However, in the last decade, demand has swamped supply.

“There is only one answer – much higher supply, including more affordable social rented housing.”

Since 1997 average house prices have risen four to five times faster than average earnings and private rents have soared. Worsening recent homelessness is largely down to people losing their private rented sector homes. High rents and prices, low wages, supply shortages, and insecurity of tenure – it’s a toxic combination.

Fundamentally, there is only one answer – much higher supply, including more affordable social rented housing. Only the government can deliver the money and conditions to make it happen, and the Autumn Statement is an opportunity to create the step change that’s needed.

Meanwhile, we must deal with today. Network Homes is working with the New Horizon charity, providing shared flats to homeless young people, while supporting them to get into work and transition to independent living. Eight Network Homes are currently let in this way at specially discounted rents, with more to follow.

It’s a tiny sticking plaster over a gaping wound. But to those we are helping it’s a godsend.

We need more schemes like this, and at much larger scale. That’s why we are happy to support Inside Housing’s Cathy at 50 campaign.

Ken Loach has taken aim at the benefits system in his powerful new film, I, Daniel Blake. But, as Network’s research shows, sadly, 50 years on, while Daniel struggles, Cathy herself is still far from home and dry.

Simon Graham, director for strategy and external affairs, Network Homes

Network Homes’ thought piece, ‘Will Cathy ever come home?’, is available to download at networkhomes.org.uk