Urgent Solution Sought For Young Homeless

Speaking in response to the Borough Homeless problem Councillor Paul Smith Liberal Democrat Community and Culture spokesperson said:

"I have been demanding for some time that there needs to be a realistic long term solution to the Borough Homeless situation as well as medium and short term plans to ease the problem now. To date this has resulted in the purchase of 40 units of which half have now been let. This has gone someway to reduce the number of homeless. However bed and breakfast continues to be used and I have urged the council that this is not acceptable both in terms of the money this costs and in the detrimental effect to those forced to stay there. It's simply a no win situation. The situation for young homeless people is even worse. Current government legislation restricts levels of Housing Benefit and Income support for the under 25's and this continues to increase the number of young homeless people. With this in mind I have urged the council to find a strategy that includes all sectors of society especially those most vulnerable. This is a real anti poverty issue with young people seeming to be discriminated on at every turn. It costs the same for a younger person to live as anyone else but every thing from the minimum wage to rent and benefits seems to be against them. I am calling for the government to be lobbied to bring an end to this inequality. "

He added: "As for the council I will continue to demand that a rapid solution to this issue here in Bedford. Whilst money has been spent providing temporary accommodation for the Homeless more needs to be spent, and spent sooner not later."

The Councils current Homeless strategy is being updated in light of the new Homeless Bill put forward by the Government.