A new study reveals that more than one in four young people fear becoming homeless in the next year

by Joshua Robinson –

More than one in four young people are worried that they or someone they know will become homeless in the next 12 months, a UK-wide survey of public attitudes shows today.

The new study, conducted by Opinion on behalf of the social enterprise Places for people, collected the views of 550 16- to 24-year-olds as part of a wider multi-generational survey of 4,000 UK citizens. The research is published in the weeks leading up to next month’s general election.

Providing an insight into topics from homelessness to housebuilding, today’s latest data reveals the views of some of the young people eligible to vote at the Election, highlighting their priorities and concerns for the future compared to older people.

Today’s extensive Places for People study reveals that people aged 16 to 24:

• are among the most worried that they or someone they know will become homeless in the next 12 months – more than one in four (28%)
• are the least likely to oppose the building of new affordable homes in their area – just one in 10 (10%)
• are the least concerned about saving money on the planet when it comes to the energy efficiency of their home (less than one in five, 16%).

When it comes to homelessness, over two-thirds (68%) of young people believe social housing should be prioritized for those who sleep rough, couch surf or live in unsuitable temporary accommodation.

Meanwhile, eight in 10 (81%) 16-24 year olds think the government should provide more funding to prevent homelessness. This is a multi-generational sentiment, as is the shared belief (around 78% of all ages) that the Prime Minister should build more social homes to tackle homelessness.

Today’s new data also highlights a clear generational difference in perceptions of social housing and attitudes towards those who live in these homes.

Young people were most likely to associate social housing with positive words such as ‘togetherness’ (one in four), ‘unity’ (one in five) and ‘flourishing’ (one in ten).

This is in contrast to those aged 55 and over who are instead most likely to associate words such as ‘unemployment’ (over a third), ‘lower income’ (two thirds) and ‘antisocial behavior ” (over one in four) .

Gillian Clater from the Unlock Next Gen group at Places for People said: “As the future of our communities, it is deeply concerning that young people with their lives ahead of them are among those most worried about becoming homeless.”

“The clear lack of affordable housing is the price of more and more young people not buying or renting a quality, secure home to base their future on. Even worse, one in four young people or a friend fear they won’t have a home within a year.”

Gillian Carter added: “This group deserves a social system that brings them opportunity, not fear. It is vital that young people’s voices are heard by those responsible for shaping the solution to society’s most serious challenges.”

“While our research singles out young people as climate conscious, inclusive and socially conscious, their overriding message today is very clear.”

“We simply need to build more of the right homes for the right people, including student accommodation and affordable homes for young people. This will help meet the growing demand for housing of all types and lay the foundations for future generations to thrive. The talk is over, it’s time to build.”

Places for People, which owns or manages more than 245,000 homes in the UK, including 74,000 social homes and 10,000 student beds, is calling on the government to prioritize building 90,000 new social homes each year.

It also supported more than 10,500 people who were either homeless or at risk of homelessness in the past year. Beyond that, it funds, builds and manages a number of facilities across the country to house the homeless.

Places for People also provides its communities with a range of services such as financial advice, financial support, education, health and wellbeing and more – totaling around £300 million a year.

As part of its wider commitment to supporting the lives of young people, this Inspire Youth Zone in the Chorley, Lancashire, provides activities, information and guidance to over 5,000 young people and families each year. Open daily, the center engages, supports and inspires vulnerable young people with targeted services in high deprivation neighbourhoods. Service users report feeling more confident, socially engaged and healthy. The service has also helped reduce local crime and youth anti-social behavior by 49%.

To learn more about Places for People, click here.

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