Summary
A man experiencing homelessness called for the government to focus on making housing more accessible in its upcoming Budget. He also emphasized the importance of job training programs, like apprenticeships, and financial support for tools needed to find work. Homelessness has increased in areas like Cambridge and Peterborough, prompting local councils to seek additional resources.
Key Facts
- A man named Josh, who lives in a night shelter, wants the government to prioritize housing in the next Budget.
- Josh stressed the need for more accessible council and "move-on" housing for people needing support.
- The Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, will present Labour's Budget on 26 November.
- Cambridge City Council had 1,139 homelessness applications from April 2024 to March 2025, up 13% from the previous year.
- Josh hopes for more opportunities in apprenticeships and better support for essential work equipment.
- Peterborough City Council was contacted by 3,654 households facing homelessness in 2024, an 11% increase from the previous year.
- The city received nearly £1 million to help address rough sleeping issues.
- A charity, Hope Into Action, provides housing to those in need, including Andrew, who has lived in one of their homes for two years after experiencing homelessness.
