Policy Library
Policy, research and good practice work forms a major part of Shelter's efforts to address and find solutions for homelessness and housing issues.
Findings from the Hackney Temporary Accommodation Listening Campaign: Residents Call for Change
Temporary accommodation residents from across the London Borough of Hackney have come together to talk about their experiences, and what changes they want to see.
Published: 12 April 2021
Bristol Fair Renting Campaign Launch: Demand Fair Renting for Bristol
Renters across Bristol are coming together to expose, to the wider community and to those in power, the reality of private renting. With Shelter Bristol’s support, they have created the Bristol Fair Renting Campaign and launched a manifesto demanding urgent change
Published: 7 April 2021
Consultation response: Home Office's VAWG strategy consultation
Shelter's response to the VAWG strategy consultation focuses on how the strategy will impact housing and homelessness. Housing support is one of the cornerstones to supporting survivors of domestic abuse and Shelter's response focuses on this. However, we stand with the domestic abuse sector in expressing our opposition to separating out domestic abuse from the proposed VAWG strategy. ‘Dual strategies’ will fragment coordinated action to tackle VAWG directly impacting all women and girls, whose needs are multiple and intersecting.
Published: 22 February 2021
Submission: Public Accounts Committee inquiry into COVID-19: Housing rough sleepers
To protect all street homeless people from both the virus and freezing weather during and beyond this national lockdown, we are calling on the government to direct councils to accommodate everyone at risk of the street. We want the government to provide not only adequate funding but robust guidance, clarifying the basis on which everyone at risk of the street should be accommodated.
Published: 1 February 2021
Submission: Budget 2021
The number one goal for this budget must be to strengthen the UK’s economic recovery from COVID-19 by prioritising jobs and skills. By investing in social housing, the government can do this as well as solving the housing crisis. However, while the three crises continue and millions remain vulnerable in unaffordable, insecure homes, the storm must still be weathered. The welfare system must protect people to avoid a surge in homelessness due to rental debt.
Published: 1 February 2021
Briefing: Budget Debate 2021
The 2021 Budget made it clear that the Chancellor recognises that the economic impact of COVID-19 is far from over. However, if we are to truly build back better from the pandemic, housing must be at the heart of our recovery.
Published: 1 February 2021
Report: Homeless and Forgotten: Surviving lockdown in temporary accommodation
Being urged to stay home but having no home to go to. This was the reality for homeless people during 2020’s lockdowns. This research reveals the total number of people who spent lockdown in temporary accommodation, and shares the experiences of over 20 households who told us what it was like to be homeless in a pandemic.
Published: 1 December 2020
Alert Briefing: New benefit cap statistics show numbers rising
On Thursday 26 November, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) released their new benefit cap statistics. We have analysed these numbers to show how the Covid-19 pandemic has led to a huge rise in benefit capped households; with the figures showing us that there has been an increase of 116% since February.
Published: 1 December 2020
Submission: HCLG Select Committee Inquiry into the impact of COVID-19 on homelessness and the private rented sector
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Shelter has been contacted by thousands of people facing eviction, homelessness, and problems in their accommodation which make it unsuitable to stay safe and healthy in during the pandemic.
Published: 1 December 2020
Briefing: Homelessness and Temporary Accommodation
Shelter is the UK’s largest housing and homelessness charity. Throughout the pandemic, we have continued to provide information, support and advice to thousands of people experiencing bad housing or facing homelessness.
Published: 1 December 2020