Action on homelessness

PETER LANDMAN

Private landlords cashing in on the high demand for homes, a spike in evictions and cost of living problems have created a new crisis for the homeless in Newham according to Councillor Shaban Mohammed, Newham’s Cabinet Member for Housing.

He says the increase in the number of homeless people – applications from people without a roof over their heads rose to more than 500 in recent months – have been accompanied by a decrease in the supply of temporary homes.

He told Newham Voices the main causes of the temporary accommodation crisis has been the impact of removing the ban on evictions during the Covid-19 pandemic and the scarcity of available space which has led to rent rises in a booming private market.

The Council’s Homelessness Prevention and Advice Service is advising tenants of their rights by Law and negotiating with Landlords when a tenant has fallen into rent arrears, as well as exploring ways for peo- ple to receive Discretionary Housing Payments to avoid losing their homes.

The council is also offering the option of council housing outside the Borough.

This support is resulting in a slow down in the numbers of homeless applications, says Councillor Mohammed.

The Council is also buying up new properties and on 9 March the council cabinet agreed to acquire 18 units at Oak Crescent and 22 units at Charlie Court, both in Canning Town, and a further 18 homes at Green Bank Lofts in Tower Hamlets.