New research shows over half of Brits feel more at risk of homelessness than last year

14 November 2024, London: New research by the Big Issue has revealed that over half (54%) of Brits feel an increased risk of homelessness compared to last year.

A new poll of the general public shows that two-thirds (67%) of those living in private rentals are worried about paying their rent and the potential consequences of their housing situation in the past year.

The leading anti-poverty social enterprise has launched a new film, The 12 Days of Homelessness, highlighting the leading causes of homelessness across the UK.

The research paints a troubling picture of housing vulnerability, with many Brits feeling more at risk than ever due to economic pressures and societal issues. Those surveyed felt a loss of income or employment (69%), mental or physical health issues (58%) and rising living costs (54%) could put them at risk of homelessness. These challenges have left many fearing the instability of their housing situation, with more than half (54%) now feeling at an increased risk of homelessness compared to last year.

A poll of Big Issue vendors echoes these concerns, underscoring specific housing instability risks faced by those on the front lines of economic hardship. According to the poll, vendors fear the end of private tenancies, rising living costs and the loss of income or employment as top factors that are likely to force them into homelessness. Alarmingly, 78% of vendors report feeling more at risk of homelessness now than they did in since the cost-of-living crisis began in 2019.

Big Issue offers support to its vendors and other people in extreme poverty to help them weather the volatile social and economic climate that continues to endure in the UK. More than 4,000 individuals were supported by its regional support teams last year. They work out on Britain’s streets to get people set up to earn by selling the magazine, as well as additional support to find safe and secure housing, health services such as GP appointments, access to ID and more.

This year’s Big Issue Christmas ad, out today, aims to raise awareness of the diverse and complex reasons someone may find themselves homeless, and the many ways the Big Issue helps its vendors overcome these barriers.

Big Issue Ambassador Daniel Mays, who provided the voiceover for the film, said: “The Big Issue exists to help people living in extreme poverty rebuild their lives – not just at Christmas, but every day. Selling the Big Issue gives people in the most challenging situations a way to earn, learn, and thrive, plus access to the basic services they so vitally need.”

Susan Alderman, a Big Issue vendor who sells the Big Issue in London, said: “No two people that have been homeless are on the street for the same reason.

“Money could be one reason, another reason could be domestic violence. If you haven’t got a proper job, for example, that that can push some people over the edge where they get in debt. They might have an alcohol problem or drug problem. A lot of people have got mental health issues which need addressing – it can be anything.

“Everyone’s got a different reason. And it’s easy to get into that into that trap if you haven’t got the right support at the time. But with the right sort of help, help like the Big Issue provides, anyone can get on the right track to bettering themselves.”

Lord John Bird, founder of the Big Issue and crossbench peer, added: “With the cost-of-living crisis still biting and the country experiencing record levels of homelessness, many people – including our vendors – face a difficult winter.”

“The Big Issue enables people to earn an income and find work, and to access basic services such as housing in order to rebuild their lives. We help of people find and maintain secure and stable housing every year. Please show your support by buying a magazine from your local vendor every week, both at Christmas and beyond, or by purchasing a Vendor Support Kit for £35, which equips our vendors with what they need to keep warm and fed while they sell.”

The scale of housing instability revealed by Big Issue’s survey is striking, with 39% of those polled claiming to have experienced some form of homelessness. Notably, 22% of respondents report having sofa-surfed at some point in their lives, with 7% of respondents admitting to having slept rough – the situation is even more severe in Edinburgh, where this increases to 12%. A further 22% have lived in temporary accommodation, underlining the precarious housing situation for many.

As pressures mount, 53% of the UK population has turned to friends or family for financial help since the cost-of-living crisis began, with 64% in cities like London and Birmingham relying on their support networks. Reflecting growing public empathy, 61% agree that homelessness can happen to anyone, and 93% believe the government must provide support to those facing homelessness.

Current government policies have drawn widespread criticism, with 51% of respondents rating them as ineffective. In contrast, 82% of the population believe that increased investment in social housing would help alleviate homelessness.

This winter, Big Issue is asking the nation to help change a Big Issue vendor’s life by purchasing a magazine every week, or buying a Vendor Support Kit. For more information, visit www.bigissue.com/christmas.