Background
Homelessness in all forms is increasing. In 2022-23 there were over 100,000 households in England living in temporary accommodation. Many local authorities are dealing with steeply growing caseloads, and homelessness is becoming a problem in many more places than the traditional hotspots of London and certain metropolitan areas. The rising costs of, and demand for, temporary accommodation are putting some local authorities under significant financial pressure.
Scope
This report will examine how the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities (DLUHC) is working with other government departments and local authorities to tackle homelessness. We will consider whether DLUHC:
- understands the full extent of the homelessness problem
- is delivering appropriate system leadership on the issue of homelessness
- is supporting local authorities to deliver their statutory duties efficiently and effectively
NAO Team
Director: Vicky Davis
Audit Manager: Phil Hyde