Charities are warning of a deepening homelessness crisis among the UK's over-60s, driven by high private rents and a shortage of social housing. St Mungo's and the Salvation Army report increasing numbers of older people seeking emergency housing support, with some sleeping in cars or using camp beds in shelters.
Marie Dennehy, senior service manager at St Mungo's, noted a rise in over-65s with complex health problems seeking help. She cited an 87-year-old man in their service, saying: 'We never used to see the number of pensioners we’re seeing now.' She added that council cuts and lack of social housing mean elderly single homeless applicants are often not prioritised.
Dan Holland of the Salvation Army said 10% of residents in their accommodation are over 55. He attributed the trend to fewer people owning homes outright and more relying on frozen housing benefit. Raymond, 63, slept in his car for seven weeks after his marriage ended, developing leg swelling and nutritional deficiencies. He was told he was not a priority by the council.
Research from Crisis found that one in five older people cannot retire due to housing costs, and homelessness among older people in England has risen over 50% in five years. The number of over-55s in temporary accommodation has increased by 35% since March 2022.
Ben Twomey of Generation Rent said soaring rents lock people into renting for decades, forcing older people into unsuitable homes and pushing some into homelessness. Edith, 61, a renter in Huntingdon, fears moving repeatedly as landlords sell up or raise rents, saying: 'Getting older, everything gets more difficult.'
