InfoIslington - Islington Reference Library

Homeless bound? Homelessness in London, the South East and East of England

This publication from the National Housing Federation presents the findings from research into homelessness in London, the South East and East of England. It looks at the different aspects of homelessness in England’s most unaffordable areas: children in B&B accommodation; private rented sector tenancies and homelessness; homeless households and out of borough placements; trends in the numbers of people sleeping rough; numbers of people in temporary accommodation; and the impacts of welfare reform on the homeless and badly housed families. Presents case studies demonstrating the work of housing associations to address rising homelessness in their areas. Finds that: local authorities in and around London are struggling with their housing caseloads; homelessness is increasing in London, the South East and East; and the nature of homelessness is changing. Indicates that welfare reform will have a serious impact on homelessness. Presents recommendations for addressing homelessness by local and central government, and concludes that in a time of austerity, it is important to invest in preventative services rather than allowing problems to escalate.

London Rent Watch: Rent Inflation and Affordability in London's Private Rental Market

This Shelter report published in March 2012 researched the affordability of private renting in London. It found that in six boroughs including Islington a household income of more than £52,000 is required to rent a two bedroom home.

 Key results found were:

• Private rents rose at an average annual equivalent rate of 7% across London in 2011.
• London rents rose slightly more on family sized homes with rises of 7% for two bedroom homes, and 8% for three bedroom homes.
• The rate of rental inflation was slightly higher in Inner London at 7.4%, than in Outer London at 5.5%.
• The rate of inflation on London private rents is 1.8 times greater than the rate of inflation on the average London wage. In outer London it is three times higher than wage inflation.
•   In contrast to the rises in rents, average London wages have fallen for a number of key worker professions: The London average wage for nurses and teachers is down by 1%, and Police Officers pay in the capital is down by 2%.

 

Rise in Homeless

The latest CHAIN report on homelessness for July - September 2011 shows a steep rise in rough sleepers in Islington to 121 from 85 in the last quarter and 81 in the same quarter last year.  

Supporting People Strategy 2010-15

Supporting People is a working partnership between

• Islington Council
• The Probation Service
• Islington Primary Care Trust (PCT)

Provider organisations, service users and their carers are also involved in the partnership. The aim of this partnership is to deliver locally relevant housing related support services to help vulnerable people live independently in the community.

The Department for Communities and Local Government (CLG) directs many elements of the programme, but the services that each programme provides reflect the local needs of the communities they serve.

Supporting People offers vulnerable people the opportunity to improve their quality of life through greater independence. This is achieved by providing housing related support to prevent problems that can often lead to tenancy failure, hospitalisation, institutional care or homelessness. It can also help smooth the transition from accommodation based residential support to independent living .

The stategy can be downloaded here.

Islington Empty Property Strategy 2010 - 2013

Islington has an empty property strategy, which aims to increase the availability of good quality, decent homes by encouraging and supporting owners to bring their properties back into use.

The Council will first work informally with empty property owners to bring the property back into use. The Council can help with grants (subject to availability) and advice so that the property can produce an income for empty property owners and at the same time, a much needed home for a family.

If, after all methods of assistance and persuasion, the empty property owner does not bring the property back into use, the Council will consider formal action to compulsorily purchase the property.

CHAIN Reports on Homelessness in Islington

CHAIN is the Combined Homeless and Information Network. It issues bi-monthly and annual reports on homelessness in each of the London boroughs from information gathered from people who work directly with rough sleepers and the street population of London.

Housing Advice

Housing Aid Centre

 If you have a housing problem or consider yourself homeless or about to be, you can contact the Housing Aid Centre for advice and an assessment of your circumstances.

Housing Aid Centre
Northway House
257 Upper Street                                                                                                                                                                     London
N1 1RU
Tel: 020 7527 2000
Fax: 020 7527 6307
Email: advice.housing@islington.gov.uk

The office is open Monday to Friday, between 9am and 4pm, except on Wednesdays when the office is open between 12noon and 4pm.

You can come to the centre in person, or call the number above. If you decide to come to the centre then it is best to come in the morning. If you become homeless outside these hours, due to an emergency, you can ring 020 7527 2000.

 Outreach Surgeries

 Islington Outreach Surgeries provide housing advice and are aimed at preventing homelessness. The advice is provided by different agencies in Islington on specific days and the monthly planner listing the surgeries can be downloaded   here.

Monitoring poverty and social exclusion 2010

'Monitoring poverty and social exclusion 2010', the annual report on the state of poverty and social exclusion in the United Kingdom from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and the New Policy Institute has recently been published.

Each report, using official government data, is built around a set of 50 indicators. The analysis covers a wide range of issues, ranging from low income, worklessness and debt, to ill-health, poor education and problems in communities.

The report is complemented by a comprehensive website which provides updates to graphs, more analyses and links to other relevant sites.

Homeless London

Homeless London is a website published by Homeless Link. It gives details of what to do and where to go if you find yourself homeless  and information on major documents and policies arranged by borough plus a London overview and much more.

Housing and Homelessness in Islington

This factsheet from Islington Reference Library provides details of local centres providing advice with finding accommodation and practical support.