Liverpool City Council calls for urgent help over homelessness

There is increasing concern over the rise in homelessness in Liverpool

A council leader has written to the government for the second time in two weeks asking for urgent help over the "unprecedented" rise in homelessness.

Liam Robinson, of Liverpool City Council, described finally receiving a reply this lunchtime as "insulting".

He said he was "deeply frustrated" no extra support had been put in place as the authority struggled to meet "overwhelming demand".

The government said it was determined to prevent homelessness.

Mr Robinson told Housing Secretary Michael Gove the cost of providing accommodation had spiralled from £250,000 to more than £19m in three years in his original letter.

In his latest letter, Mr Robinson said the current situation was inextricably linked to the increase of no-fault evictions and the acceleration of decisions for refugees and asylum seekers.

'Harrowing figures'

"Since our last correspondence, we have received harrowing figures detailing the extent of the issue locally," he said.

"One of our key providers has supported 1,400 people alone in various types of housing need during October."

He added: "We are deeply concerned and frustrated that no extra support has been put in place and cannot stress enough the inhumane conditions, stress and health impacts homeless people are facing as local authorities and their partners struggle to meet overwhelming demand."

He told BBC Radio Merseyside: "The homelessness situation in the city... is at real crisis point and that's why we felt we had to go back to government again to point that out because they are not taking this issue seriously and they are not engaging with Liverpool or other cities on what is now a national emergency."

He added: "We frankly find it insulting that they haven't responded quicker than they have done.

"In fairness, they did come back at lunchtime today with a stock answer basically saying there is not much that they want to do or can do but we're pointing out that actually the homelessness crisis in the city is getting worse."

• Council's plea to minister over 'homeless emergency'

• City's homeless accommodation bill to hit £19m

• Council failed to help homeless man, watchdog says

This comes after healthcare professionals published an open letter requesting a "humane response" to the expected "homelessness crisis" due to "accelerated decisions on asylum claims".

The letter to the council read: "With the winter approaching fast we are concerned that, now particularly, people are at significant risk of ill-health due to homelessness.

"Without assistance many people will be forced to sleep rough, significantly increasing risk of death."

They added they were aware of of long delays in processing homelessness applications in the city and the "potential homelessness crisis" would also add pressures on to the healthcare system.

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities said it was "determined to prevent homelessness before it occurs".

"That is why we are providing Liverpool City Council with £3.9m through the Homelessness Prevention Grant, helping those at risk of homelessness to access the private-rented sector," the spokesperson said.

"Our Renters Reform Bill will deliver a fairer private rented sector, abolishing Section 21 'no fault' evictions so that all tenants have greater security in their homes and are empowered to challenge poor practice without worrying about retaliatory eviction."

Why not follow BBC North West on Facebook, X and Instagram? You can also send story ideas to [e-mail]