SFHA: Homelessness to increase as result of welfare reform

Homelessness in Scotland is likely to increase as a result of welfare reforms, according to a new report.

The work, released by the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA), suggests the cumulative impact of the bedroom tax, benefit sanctions and problems in accessing financial assistance at times of crisis is likely to result in further homelessness.

The SFHA said the research showed a number of concerning trends emerging in the wake of welfare reform. 
Despite social landlords’ best efforts, the research found tenancy sustainment is becoming increasingly difficult because welfare reform is “undermining housing associations’ ability to help both existing and new tenants to sustain tenancies”.

SFHA policy manager David Ogilvie said: “We are seriously concerned about how welfare reforms are impacting upon homeless households taking up new tenancies. It’s abundantly clear that the odds of these households being able to secure and sustain a suitable tenancy are being increasingly stacked against them.

“Despite social landlords’ best efforts to provide as much help as they can to new tenants - be that in terms of making sure tenants have the basic essentials or the right advice and support - our research shows that the cumulative impact of the bedroom tax, benefit sanctions and problems accessing financial assistance at times of crisis may drive up homelessness in Scotland.

“We would echo the words of the Welfare Reform Committee in its recently published report – we need a welfare system that is supportive, not punitive.”

Housing and Welfare Minister Margaret Burgess said the number of people being “pushed into poverty” in Scotland by welfare reform is “not acceptable in a country as prosperous as ours”.

She added: “Benefit delays, benefit sanctions and low incomes are all having a detrimental impact on the people of Scotland.”

Fiona King, campaign and public affairs manager at Shelter Scotland, said Shelter shares SFHA’s concerns on welfare reform and the impact it is having on some of the most vulnerable and low-paid people in our society.
She said: “The SFHA report confirms our initial fears that some aspects of welfare reform - such as the unfair bedroom tax - would be counterproductive and cause more problems than they solve, such as a potential increase in homelessness.”