Spotlight on Poverty: Housing & Homelessness

As part of BASW UK's campaign against poverty, we focus on a different part of social work practice and the impact of poverty

Housing & Homelessness

There are many causes of homelessness. From a lack of affordable housing and low incomes, to leaving prison and having nowhere to go. Often being homeless happens through no fault of the individual, and they are a victim of circumstance.

Homelessness is not just rough sleeping. While rough sleepers are visible to services and authorities, many people are sofa-surfing, or living in unsuitable temporary accommodation provided by the local authority. There are also people squatting and/or living in unlawful accommodation such as garden annexes.

People living in low paid jobs, living in poverty, and poor quality of insecure housing are more likely to experience homelessness.

The Role of Social Work

Suitable, affordable housing is crucial to providing effective support for individuals and families and ensuring everyone can be a participating member of society. It is therefore central to social work practice.

However, social workers will often be dealing with issues where housing, or more specifically lack of appropriate housing, is a major underlying issue.

BASW has published a position statement on housing and homelessness including recommendations. In January 2022, BASW England worked with Shelter and other organisations to produce homelessness guidance for social workers. While it focuses on English law and policy, it contains a summary of research evidence that is of relevance to other nations in the UK.

High costs of housing and inadequate income to meet not just rental costs, but other accommodation related costs, increases the risk of homelessness. Moreover, overcrowded and inadequate housing generates further health and social problems.

Even if the current government adopted a policy of investment in new social housing and embarked on massive building programme it would take many years to make good the backlog. Since the housing crisis is not going to be resolved any time soon housing issues will continue underpin the social work task.

What is BASW Calling For?

BASW’s campaign- Social Work Stands Against Poverty- is urging the UK Government to introduce a freeze on evictions during the cost-of-living crisis to prevent further homelessness. BASW UK Chief Executive, Dr Ruth Allen and BASW UK Chair, Julia Ross have written to the Prime Minister and Chancellor calling for this policy to be implemented.

The UK Government implemented a temporary pause on evictions in England as an emergency measure during the covid pandemic. Subject to exceptions, it was not possible to deliver a notice of eviction or execute a warrant or writ of eviction. Notice periods for most types of tenancy were also temporarily extended.

Research carried out by Shelter found that, since the eviction ban was lifted, no-fault evictions by bailiffs soared by 143%. The risk of homelessness increased by 76%.

Through the Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland) Act 2022, the Scottish Government implemented a limited ban on the enforcement of evictions in Scotland from 6 September 2022 as an emergency measure during the cost-of-living crisis. This is expected to remain in place until at least 30 September 2023, with the possibility it could be extended for another 6 months. 

We have used information from Crisis, Shelter, St Mungo’s and Citizens Advice with citations listed in the spotlight: Housing and Homelessness.