The private sector should step in to tackle homelessness
This winter will be a perfect storm for homelessness, with rises in rent, energy and food prices . During the pandemic, the government provided temporary emergency relief for frontline homelessness.
While the government is always liable, it is the private sector that is largely responsible for housing. Privately run housing associations have been providing the majority of social homes for the last fifteen years.
We need more collaboration between the public and the private sector to tackle homelessness. Social homes and housing associations are not enough: we need landlords and investors to also play a role.
They could benefit from guaranteed rental incomes and long lease agreements from housing providers. Low-cost transitional housing can provide additional income while helping investors to make a positive social impact with their properties.