Ivan Corbett, 37, has spent years sofa-surfing after losing his home in 2022, battling alcohol and cocaine addiction that plunged him into £2,000 debt. He met Prime Minister Andy Burnham today at the Changing Lives homeless shelter in Elswick, Newcastle, and expressed hope that the new Labour Government can address the homelessness problem.
Meeting with the Prime Minister
Speaking after the meeting, Ivan said: “He just wants to get everyone off the streets. I’m hopeful he can do that. But he needs to address other stuff too. Council tax, all the builds you need to pay. Some people just can’t afford it. It’s the cost of living crisis and the problems with universal credit, they’re putting people into debt.”
Ivan, originally from Scotswood, Newcastle, lost his home in 2022 after a dispute with his landlord. He came home to find the locks changed and his possessions gone. He has been drifting between homes, unable to find employment, while battling addiction that saw him accumulate a drugs debt totalling more than £2,000. His friends were forced to step in and pay off dealers who threatened to harm him if he didn't settle the payment.
Addiction and debt
Ivan said: “The landlord changed the locks and I couldn’t get back in the property. All my possessions were locked inside, I lost it all. I’ve just been sofa surfing since then. I haven’t been able to work, but when I do it’s just cash-in-hand jobs. I’ve been going to soup kitchens and food banks. I’ve just had to survive.”
He added: “If I didn’t pay they’d break my legs. I’ve got a problem with alcohol - when I start drinking spirits I can’t stop. But I’ve also got a cocaine problem. I got into debts over cocaine and a friend had to pay my debt. It’s slowly coming down. I knew I had to pay - it’s not worth getting your legs broken over a debt.”
Speaking about his mental health, Ivan said: “I’m alright now. Sometimes I can’t get out of bed because I’ve got depression and anxiety. But I’m doing OK.”
Government funding pledge
Ivan spoke out as Mr Burnham pledged an additional £102 million to help local authorities get people off the streets for Christmas. He issued a “rallying call” to solve the problem, but admitted Government money alone may not be enough. The former Manchester mayor said he feels “very passionately” about tackling homelessness but indicated that wider society, including community and faith organisations, must play their part. His pledge includes an £8.4 million boost to the Ending Homelessness in Communities Fund, in recognition of the work of charities, faith groups and community organisations.
In the West End of Newcastle, where Mr Burnham met service users and support workers, there are more than a dozen homeless shelters. The area is home to some of the most deprived communities in the region, with 46% of children in Elswick, 42% in Arthur’s Hill and the city centre, and 38% in Benwell living below the breadline, according to official Government figures for 2022/23.
