A devastating homelessness crisis is unfolding across Britain as new figures reveal a staggering 26,000 households could lose their homes this winter – the highest number recorded in nearly two decades.
According to shocking analysis from homelessness charity Shelter, the number of people threatened with homelessness due to no-fault evictions has surged by 28% in a year. The data paints a bleak picture of a housing system in complete collapse.
Section 21 Evictions Reach Crisis Point
The research exposes how Section 21 evictions – commonly known as 'no-fault' evictions – have become the primary driver of England's homelessness emergency. These evictions allow landlords to remove tenants without providing any reason.
Polly Neate, chief executive of Shelter, delivered a stark warning: "The government's failure to deliver on its promise to ban Section 21 no-fault evictions has unleashed a wave of homelessness that's overwhelming local councils and destroying communities."
London Councils Under Unprecedented Pressure
The capital has been hit hardest by the crisis, with several boroughs experiencing astronomical increases in homelessness threats:
- Newham Council reported a 128% increase in households needing homelessness support
- Brent saw a 116% surge in homelessness cases
- Wandsworth experienced a 110% rise in people facing eviction
These figures represent real families facing the terrifying prospect of sleeping rough during the coldest months of the year.
Government Promises vs Harsh Reality
Despite repeated commitments to abolish Section 21 evictions, the government has delayed implementation of the Renters Reform Bill, leaving millions of private renters in precarious situations.
The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities maintains that "abolishing Section 21 is a key part of our plan to create a fairer private rented sector", but campaigners argue the delay is causing preventable suffering.
With winter approaching and eviction notices continuing to rise, local authorities are warning they simply don't have the resources to cope with what one council leader called "a tsunami of homelessness."
