The rise in homelessness across Liverpool is “concerning” as opposition councillors press for urgent action to tackle the city’s rough sleeping crisis.
With the winter chill strengthening its grip, Liverpool Council is facing an increase in pleas for housing support for those facing nights on the streets. In November, Cllr Liam Robinson, leader of the city council, wrote to the UK Government declaring the situation a crisis and appealing for additional help from Whitehall.
Now opposition councillors are calling on the administration to go further to protect the most vulnerable in an extraordinary council meeting.
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In a motion laid down to be heard next Wednesday, Liberal Democrat members said they were particularly alarmed by the number of young people facing rough sleeping. They said: “Currently, 17% of single individuals in temporary accommodations in Liverpool are under the age of 25.
“There are 885 households in Liverpool living in various forms of temporary accommodation, with 407 exceeding the recommended six-week maximum stay in such accommodation. The costs associated with housing people in temporary accommodation have more than doubled, from £8.67 million in 2021/22 to £17.24 million in the following year.”
In their bid to the electorate in May’s elections, Cllr Robinson’s Labour group made a pledge to turn Liverpool into a zero homelessness city. The Kensington member said doing so remains a priority for the administration despite soaring costs placing financial pressure on the council.
It was revealed in November how since 2019, the amount spent on households in temporary accommodation has risen from £250,000 to more than £19m – £3m more than the annual budget set by the city. Around 900 people are in TAs, with an additional 528 in “expensive” B&Bs across Liverpool, more commonly used to provide emergency first night accommodation.
Opposition members said the rising cost of housing, Section 21 evictions, and a lack of social housing have contributed to the homelessness crisis in Liverpool. They added: “Delayed government action on a ban of Section 21 evictions further exacerbates the issue.
“The closure of Labre House, a year-round homeless shelter, left a gap in provision for the homeless population. This has been compounded by last year’s decision by the council to abandon plans for a proposed Homeless Recovery Centre on Smithdown Lane, and to return £4 million of government funding.”
The opposition motion also calls on the council to “note with concern” multiple cases were its own failings had led to residents presenting as homeless but not receiving the requisite support.
The motion said: “The rising homelessness crisis is a complex issue requiring immediate and long-term solutions. Liverpool Council seeks urgent action to prevent further suffering and hardship among the city’s most vulnerable residents.
“We hope to work in partnership with the Government to address this pressing issue and ensure that everyone in Liverpool has access to safe and stable housing.”
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