2. National Context Immediate context – Deficit reduction, austerity & the Coalition Government Historical context – right to buy, regeneration, housing market rollercoaster

3. Housing – what’s the problem? Inadequate supply Empty homes Unaffordability

4. And that’s not all… Overcrowding Bad effects of poor quality housing Private rental sector = only option

5. Meanwhile homelessness increases – or does it? Duty satisfied by 12 month PRS rental and end of life time tenancies for new lets = no of households in TA drops like a stone Restrictions on who can join the waiting list = households on the list cut by 000s

6. What can be done? Challenge the orthodoxy about fairness and tell stories about how the cuts are impacting people - www.whobenefits.org.uk www.whobenefits.org.uk Be informed Ease the pain Increase housing supply Pray

7. This is where Housing Justice comes in National Christian organisation: Christian voice on housing and homelessness Helping churches help homeless people Raising awareness of issues & solutions Encouraging partnership & speaking up for church action Membership organisation – please join us!

8. We’re here to help... Support, advice and consultancy to churches and others involved in action on housing and homelessness Toolkits to help you set up a Night Shelter, a Mentoring & Befriending project or develop housing (FIAH) Forums for Night Shelters, M&B Schemes and Christian practitioners Training for volunteers and project coordinators Brokering relationships with Local Authorities and other partners Resources for prayer and reflection

9. Alison Gelder Director Housing Justice 020 3544 8094 a.gelder@housingjustice.org.uk @AmbrozineW Contact