Recent data released today highlights a concerning trend in homelessness, with a notable increase attributed to Section 21 no-fault evictions. According to the figures, a record total of 25,910 households experienced homelessness or were at risk due to such evictions in 2023, marking the highest annual figure on record.

In the last quarter of 2023, 5,790 households faced eviction under Section 21, representing a 10.9% increase compared to the same period in 2022 (5,220 households).

The data, sourced from the Department of Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities, also underscores a significant rise in child homelessness. In the final quarter of 2023, 145,800 dependent children were housed in emergency temporary accommodations, reflecting a 15% increase from December 2022.

Against this backdrop, the Renters (Reform) Bill is making its way through the legislative process, having passed through the House of Commons. However, concerns have been raised about the effectiveness of the bill in addressing the rental crisis, with critics arguing that it favours landlords and lacks key provisions.

Tom Darling, campaign manager at the Renters’ Reform Coalition, expressed frustration with the government's approach to the bill: “Shockingly, homelessness statistics in England continue to see new records shattered every few months. Every week sees more families evicted and growing pressure on the budgets of councils struggling to meet the rising cost of homelessness support."

Darling further criticized the bill's handling, stating, “Neglected, dropped, picked back up again, delayed, deprioritized, and – finally – gutted of key provisions by a group of pro-landlord MPs."

He emphasized the necessity for substantial amendments in the House of Lords: “Because of all of this, and other concessions made to landlords, the Renters (Reform) Bill currently on its way to the House of Lords will fail to touch the sides of this crisis. To start putting some of these harrowing homelessness statistics into reverse, the bill needs major surgery in the Lords."

The urgent need for action to address the escalating homelessness crisis is clear, with stakeholders calling for substantive changes to the legislation to provide effective solutions.