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Don’t struggle alone through the rise in living costs crisis, ask our experts’ advice (27 April 2022)

Date: 27/04/2022
Duncan Lewis, Housing Solicitors, Don’t struggle alone through the rise in living costs crisis, ask our experts’ advice

The “Everyone In” scheme introduced by the Government during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic saw many rough sleepers placed in hotels.

However, this scheme now feels like a distant memory as the emergency measures implemented to shield the homeless have been wound down and the UK has now lifted all restrictions, enabling everyone to return to ‘normality.’

But support for the homeless and people struggling to pay their rent is needed more now than ever as the cost of living crisis deepens.

The costs have been increasing dramatically over the past year, with January 2022 seeing the highest level of inflation recorded since 1992. Rising food, water, energy and fuel prices have overwhelmed millions, leaving many people having to choose between eating and heating.

Low-income households, particularly single adult households, are most likely to be disproportionately affected by rising costs, due to them spending a larger proportion of their income than average on energy and food.

According to the Crisis and Heriot-Watt University charity, it is anticipated that by 2024, more than 66,000 people will be made homeless. This is a major cause for concern, as it will be mainly due to an increase in evictions from private rented homes, as there are no more restrictions imposed on possession proceedings. The influx of homeless applications will therefore have a knock-on effect on local authorities, further stretching their ability to provide housing assistance.

These fears have prompted requests for the government to make extra provisions in an attempt to combat rising living costs and help people survive the crisis and stay in their homes. An increase in the Local Housing Allowance, for instance, which was previously frozen from April 2021, is being supported by many people, including private landlords.

Official data suggests that 56% of private renters relying on Universal Credit have an average shortfall of £100 a month between the amount they receive in housing cost support and the rent they pay, according to the National Association of Residential Landlords (NRLA).

A rise in benefits this month, the £200 energy bills rebate loan, a £150 council tax rebate and an expansion of the Warm Home Discount scheme have been designed to help, but many charities feel that it is nowhere near enough to head off the problem.

It is clear that rising inflation and an increase in taxes will leave millions struggling so it is necessary that government works alongside households to avoid the devastating impact of spiralling costs.

If you are experiencing housing issues due to affordability, spiralling debt or are facing eviction, please contact Duncan Lewis Solicitors’ expert housing team so we can consider your case and investigate how best we can assist you, and whether legal aid is available.


About the author: Retha Khan is a caseworker in the housing department at Duncan Lewis Solicitors, based at the Head Office in the City of London. She has wide-ranging experience in housing law, and has assisted numerous clients in relation to homelessness, disrepair and possession claims. Contact her for advice via email at RethaK@duncanlewis.com or telephone her on 020 3114 1147.




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