The "worst time" to threaten our homelessness services

Quoted in The Guardian yesterday, Jenny Edwards, Chief Executive of Homeless Link, described London Councils' current plans to cease funding for many voluntary sector organisations as making "no sense".

London Councils’ Grant Committee intends to fund only 5 out of 33 services for single homeless people from April 2011. Its argument is that such services should be offered at a local level, with funds repatriated to the boroughs where services face an uncertain and highly vulnerable future. But is this taking the practical application of localism too far?

The New Horizons Youth Services faces a cut of 75% of its public funding, jeopardising all the work that takes place there. The London Street Rescue service, operated by Thames Reach and working with rough sleepers across London, faces a cut of 25%. Many other vital front line services face a similar threat.

Homeless Link has continually expressed concern at the logic behind and long term effects of these cuts, calling for an urgent rethink by the Leaders' Committee. There is considerable doubt whether these services, used by "a highly mobile population", can be replaced at a local level.

Jenny Edwards continued: “These are priority services at a time when the flow onto the streets from the recession has increased by 20% over the last 3 months. Due to heroic efforts this has not led to an increase in the numbers sleeping out on any night, but it's touch and go whether we can stay ahead. This is the worst time to threaten the future of services that are helping London’s most vulnerable people keep away from a life without shelter at great risk to their health and even life.

"We have joined with the Mayor of London to lobby London Councils for the re-categorisation of services which clearly support individuals from across the capital, not just individual boroughs."

Her sentiments are echoed in the same Guardian article by Campbell Rob, Chief Executive of Shelter: "Pan-London advice and support services will be absolutely critical in responding to people's needs as they move across the city in search of an affordable place to live."

A final decision from London Councils is expected next Tuesday 14th December.

ENDS.