Monday, November 3, 2014

Benefit reform blamed for rise in youth homelessness in the North-East


Originally posted on UNEMPLOYED IN TYNE & WEAR:

Bedroom tax and benefit reform have been blamed for a rise in youth homelessness as parents struggle to accommodate their children.

A survey published this week found the primary cause of youth homelessness in the region was parents no longer being willing to house their older children.

Youth homelessness is continuing to increase in the region according to the third annual survey conducted by Youth Homelessness North East (YHNE) and published this week.

North-East local authorities are seeing at least one homeless young person a day, the research suggests.

Each month, hundreds of youngsters approach their local authorities for help after finding themselves homeless – mostly because of family breakdown.

The issue has been linked to changes in the benefit system as well as overcrowding, abuse and financial difficulties.

Bedroom tax, benefit sanctions and the introduction of universal credit are having a significant impact on the region’s young people, according…

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