Attending the APPG for Ending Homelessness 

Last week, I had the fortunate experience of attending the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Ending Homeless as a guest of @Crisis. It was an insightful and educational experience, and hearing the Minister for Ending Homelessness’s update on HM Government’s commitment to ending homelessness was energising. It’s clear that The Government wants to tackle homelessness sustainably and effectively, and there are large amounts of capital being allocated to the matter. 
 
But it’s not large enough. 
 
The cost of homelessness to the public purse is massive, with London spending £1.4bn per year just on temporary accommodation¹. So – despite the record investment – we’re barely breaking even. 
 
I’m under no disillusion that public finances are tight, and this ship needs repairs all over the place. But ending homelessness isn’t just another ask for cash: it’s a rock solid investment, delivering a 180% return via savings to welfare, education, & healthcare², and increased revenues from incomes and consumption. 
 
We have the opportunity not just to build homes or spark growth, but to end homelessness in this parliament. It comes with a significant price tag – my estimate, using prefabricated homes for the number of homeless households, is approximately £35 billion – but big problems require big solutions. 
 
Public finances are like a ship that, while still afloat, is weathering heavy seas. We can’t continue patching holes indefinitely. We must invest in the sails now — and guide everyone to safe harbour. Together.