Homelessness on the rise across Shropshire, official figures show

A total of 232 households in Shropshire were estimated to be homeless and owed a relief duty - where the local authority secures accommodation for a household - up from 203 the year before.

In Telford & Wrekin, 186 households were estimated to be homeless and were owed a relief duty, up from 148 the year before.

Leaders from the Shrewsbury Ark, a charity which provides tailored support and day centre facilities for the homeless and vulnerable, have said there is an increase in the demand for support.

Emily Bell, chair of the Shrewsbury Ark said: "We have definitely seen a rise in people needing services and people coming through the doors.

"We've also seen a rise in the demand for support from our partner organisations so where we are asking for more food say from the food hub, they say they haven't got as much to give because everyone needs more, that is definitely an issue.

"We are in a strange position because we moved to our new premises because we were preparing for things to scale up, but all of that has happened at the same time as the cost of living crisis and so it's hard to know what is causing what.

"But certainly there's less money coming in, but more need and more clients going out."

Emily went on to say that the Ark has always cast a wide net and set the door open to everyone who needs support, but people sleeping rough in the town remain a priority.

"I know recently we have been concentrating more on people who are rough sleeping as their need is the greatest and there isn't any other option for people in Shrewsbury," she added.

"They're a hard-to-reach, traumatised group of people who have gone through every net and some would say have been let down by the system at every turn."

When asked about the impact of the housing crisis on homelessness, Emily said: "It's really hard and I actually think our council have done a really good job since Covid and I do think even though there are more homeless, there are less rough sleepers.

"But those that are rough sleeping it's long term holistic support for addiction, mental health, PTSD and it's a real supportive living that they need.

"For homeless people in general who come out of a relationship and moved out, or have lost their job and can't afford rent, it's absolutely finding housing that will sort them out and we need more of it without a doubt and we need it quickly.

"But for anyone with addiction, or mental health problems, it's a completely different individually-designed programme that is needed."

Commenting on the plans to turn Coton Hill House in Shrewsbury into a permanent homeless shelter, Emily added: "I know there are issues and concerns around that and the number it's going to take in and the people who can be considered 'anti-social', but that kind of facility is needed and is hugely helpful.

"Whether it's better to have smaller groups dotted around is another question. But that kind of housing is needed."

There were 121 single parents and 51 couples with dependent children homeless in Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin between January and March this year.

In Telford, the rate of homelessness was estimated to be 2.5 per 100,000 people – above the national average of 1.8 people.

Councillor Richard Overton, Telford & Wrekin Council's deputy leader and cabinet member for homes and enforcement, said: “We’re seeing a huge increase in demand for support around homelessness.

“A combination of deferred evictions post Covid, increasing rents and a squeeze on household budgets make this a very difficult time for lots of people.

“In 2022 to 2023, we’ve supported 3,479 people with an issue of homelessness – a 17 per cent rise compared to 2021 to 2022.

“We’re working tirelessly to give people a roof over their head and a safe place to live and we know there is more to do.

"Innovative projects, such as the Next Steps and Rough Sleeper Accommodation Programmes for example, have allowed us to buy 23 empty or disused properties to provide personalised supported accommodation for people who have experienced rough sleeping and are ready to commit to a tenancy agreement.”

Anyone who sees someone rough sleeping in Telford and Wrekin should call the council’s Housing Hotline on 01952 381925.