Experiences of ‘in-work homelessness

age by providing dwellings that are accessible, flexible and adaptable to changing needs. This includes new housing that provides opportunities for downsizing. 3. Specialist housing for older people – decent, affordable, appropriately designed specialist housing can allow people to live independently in a home of their own for longer. A move into specialist housing can improve quality of life and well-being for some older people. 4. Information and advice – choosing where to live in older age is a difficult decision and many older people, family members and caring professionals require advice and information about available options. 5. Housing, health and social care – health and social care services need to promote well-being and independence across all housing options. Strong strategic and operational links between housing, health and social care are critical to local solutions to meet the on-going health needs of older people, tackle health inequalities and address the wider health determinants of an ageing population. These principles provide a useful yardstick against which to measure the strengths and weaknesses of policy and practice at the local and national level.

Currently, the situation in England doesn’t measure up well. Local analysis reveals that the public sector is retreating from its traditional role and the private sector displaying little appetite for filling gaps in provision – including the provision of housing support, specialist housing, and information and advice services. The result is a notable gap between the principles and priorities of provision outlined above and the existing housing options of older people.

If we are serious about delivering a diverse suite of options that meet the wants and needs of older people and promote independent living and healthy ageing, then concerted action is required across all five priorities highlighted in this framework.

ONS (2019) https://bit.ly/2IN8DuL

This blog draws on recently published research in the International Journal of Housing Policy https://bit. ly/2x2l2bm

Moving into work is often presented as a key part of the solution to homelessness, writes Katy Jones from Manchester Metropolitan University. Responding to sharp rises in rough sleeping, the UK’s former Prime Minister emphasised employment as a long-term solution:

Dealing with homelessness and rough sleeping is about more than just accommodation… the key thing is ensuring people can be in work and can be earning and not find themselves in that situation. (May, 2017).

However, work does not always offer the means to escape poverty, and many who are working continue to face housing insecurity. Relatedly, there is increasing concern about ‘in-work homelessness’ - 55% of homeless families in temporary accommodation are reported to be in work.

Drawing on interview data from research evaluating new homelessness legislation in Wales, led by Professor Anya Ahmed, our journal article uncovers the experiences of 18 working people who approached their local authorities as homeless, or at risk of homelessness in 2016/17. This piece summarises our key findings. The relationship between work and homelessness

After losing their homes for reasons including eviction, relationship breakdown and the ending of short-term tenancy agreements, people found high upfront costs associated with starting a new tenancy (for example, deposits and lettings agency fees) were prohibitive.

Being on low incomes afforded by wages and Housing Benefit (HB) excluded participants from private rental properties:

“We looked at various different properties, but they were all way out of budget for what we would have been entitled to in [HB], well with my wages… If you’re a family on a low income… there’s not a lot in the private sector out here to work with.”

Even where participants could afford properties, many faced discrimination from landlords unwilling to accept tenants receiving HB:

“Every time I phoned a letting agent they would just turn me away straightaway…they turn around and say, ‘Actually you’re not able to have this property because you’ll be on Housing Benefit.’ …I’m working part-time, so it would just be a top up.”

Sustaining work while homeless

Interviewees spoke about the challenges of sustaining work while facing homelessness. One participant who was sleeping rough described struggling to be presentable, with nowhere to wash his clothes:

“I was getting back, well, home to the field, stinking, smelling of rubbish. I’ve got… nowhere to wash my clothes.”

Being in work could also constrain respondents’ housing options, for example, due to a need to find affordable accommodation within travelling distance of their workplace:

“We were offered temporary housing but they didn’t have anything in [places of work]… I work in a care home where I do late shifts… I also work in a local