MSPS Contributes to Important CIH Research into the Prevention and Resolution of Homelessness in England

A new report on homelessness, which explores housing-led approaches to resolve and prevent homelessness by former Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) President Jo Richardson, has been published today.

The report highlighted that the government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic provided a unique opportunity to end rough sleeping in England. The research showed that rapid and agile ways of working in the public and charitable sector saw street homelessness end overnight.

MSPS supported the CIH Homeful campaign by funding a research assistant to support the creation of the report as well as providing case studies on how the company has implemented initiatives to address issues such as domestic abuse and fuel poverty that can lead to homelessness. Home Group and Longhurst Group, two of MSPS’ clients were also among organisations from both the private rented and social housing sectors, exploring key themes, sharing their experiences and sponsoring the report.

The report’s author, professor of housing and social inclusion at De Montfort University Jo Richardson, said:“There was so much innovative thinking and practice by housing providers and charities during the pandemic response.  This was enabled by government funding to bring ‘Everyone In’ from the streets, because homelessness was recognised at the time as a public health emergency.

“Now the urgency of the pandemic crisis has gone, and government funding has retracted once more, we are in danger of not reaping the benefits of the more dynamic and joined-up practices that briefly enabled an end to rough sleeping. A housing-led approach to resolving and preventing all types of homelessness is what is needed, but this is of course contingent on sufficient resource of properly affordable, social housing, for rent.”

Anneka Gill, transformation director, Morgan Sindall Property Services said: “Given recent numbers that an estimated 271,421 people in England are without a home, this research is coming at pivotal time to provide housing-led solutions to homelessness along with crucial insights into how we can work together to resolve and prevent homelessness within our communities.

“By collaborating with organisations across the industry we can create sustainable solutions and strengthen the impact we have in tackling this issue. Everyone deserves a quality home that provides them with the opportunity to live a better life, and we are proud to be part of resolving and preventing all forms of homelessness across the UK.”

Gavin Smart, chief executive of Chartered Institute of Housing said: “… As the professional body for housing, we will help to ensure housing professionals across the sector understand Jo’s findings and begin to make positive changes based on the conclusions of her research. We must do all we can to ensure everyone in our communities has a safe, secure, and affordable place to call home.”

You can download the full Homeful: exploring housing-led approaches to resolve and prevent homelessness report here.