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.