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New report backs smarter solutions to tackle homelessness

A new government-backed report has shed light on the biggest challenges in tackling homelessness and rough sleeping—reinforcing the need for better collaboration, prevention, and data-driven solutions.

The preliminary findings of the Systems-Wide Evaluation of Homelessness and Rough Sleeping, led by the Centre for Homelessness Impact and the Ministry for Housing Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), highlight key areas for change, from improving cross-sector coordination to using data more effectively to prevent homelessness before it happens. These insights directly support LandAid’s strategy, particularly our work to provide housing, jobs, and skills for young people—and our initiative to build the UK Homelessness Data Taskforce.

Key findings and their alignment with LandAid’s work

The report identifies several systemic challenges, including:

  • A lack of cross-sector coordination – Misalignment between different government departments and funding streams makes it harder to deliver effective interventions.
  • A reactive approach to homelessness – Too often, services focus on crisis response rather than prevention.
  • Challenges in measuring impact – Funding programmes often lack clear data to assess what is working and where improvements are needed.

These findings validate LandAid’s strategic focus on collaboration and prevention. Our work supports initiatives that not only provide homes but also equip young people with the skills and opportunities they need to build stable futures. Additionally, LandAid’s regional hubs are designed to foster better coordination between local stakeholders—an approach that aligns with the report’s call for improved cross-sector collaboration.

The role of the UK Homelessness Data Taskforce

One of the report’s most striking conclusions is the importance of using data to identify those most at risk and to target prevention efforts more effectively. It states:

Using data and assessments to identify those most at risk and understanding within the system the places where preventative support can be most effectively targeted... could be a key starting point for any new approach to developing a whole-government approach to tackling homelessness and rough sleeping
Systems-wide evaluation of homelessness and rough sleeping: preliminary findings, MHCLG

This is precisely what LandAid’s UK Homelessness Data Taskforce aims to achieve. By bringing together experts from across sectors, the Taskforce will work to improve the way data is collected and used, ensuring that interventions are evidence-led and have maximum impact.

Another report finding that improving the availability and use of data is critical in the fight against homelessness. Today it is often not possible to accurately measure the scale of the problem or to fully understand the impact of policy or initiatives. Through the UK Homelessness Data Taskforce, we’re working to change that—ensuring that data is used effectively to drive better outcomes for young people experiencing homelessness.
Dan Hughes, CEO Alpha Property Insight & LandAid Trustee

The role of the property industry

The property industry has a crucial role to play in addressing the challenges highlighted in this report. Beyond funding and providing housing solutions, the industry’s expertise can help shape better data systems, support local partnerships, and advocate for evidence-based policy changes. By working alongside LandAid, property professionals can be part of a movement that drives meaningful change.

Looking ahead

The preliminary findings of this evaluation make one thing clear: tackling homelessness requires smarter, more coordinated, and more data-driven solutions. LandAid is committed to playing a central role in this, ensuring that young people across the UK have access to the support they need to thrive.

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