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Young People Must Not Be the Missing Chapter in the Government’s New Homelessness Strategy

LandAid is one of 150+ organisations calling for urgent action to make sure the government creates a youth-chapter in their new cross-departmental strategy to end homelessness.

This month, LandAid joined other charities in a Parliamentary Day of Action led by New Horizon Youth Centre, calling on the UK Government to take urgent steps to ensure that young people are not left behind.

Our Senior Communications Manager, Lauren Doy, and Evidence and Insight Officer, Ronan Harris, helped shine a spotlight on the distinct challenges facing young people – and urged MPs to take action.

Because right now there is a real danger that young people will be the missing chapter in the government’s narrative on homelessness.

LandAid staff in parliament square

Why a Youth Chapter Matters

Why a Youth Chapter Matters

The government is currently developing a strategy that covers all age groups – but young people’s experiences of homelessness are different.

Too often, young people are victims of circumstances beyond their control: family breakdown, trauma, leaving care, and a lack of support. These challenges are compounded by lower wages, limited access to benefits, and a housing market that is increasingly out of reach.

The results are devastating. Last year alone, over 118,000 young people faced homelessness – a 10% increase on the year before, and the highest number on record.

Without a dedicated focus on young people, these challenges risk being swept under the carpet. But the evidence is clear: more than half of all adults who sleep rough first experienced homelessness before the age of 25. Without early intervention, the cycle repeats.

A Moral and Economic Imperative

A youth-specific chapter in the homelessness strategy isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s economically sound. Early intervention could save the government £8.5 billion each year. That’s money saved through reducing pressure on health, justice and housing systems – and lives changed through timely support and opportunity.

What We’re Calling For

Together with our partners, LandAid is calling on the government to include a dedicated youth homelessness chapter in the strategy, with commitments across three vital strands:

  • Preventing youth homelessness before it happens
    Support through schools, families, and councils to stop crises before they start.
  • Providing safe housing and support
    Genuinely affordable, age-appropriate housing tailored to young people’s needs.
  • Helping young people into work and independence
    Fair pay, fair opportunities, and the resources to build secure futures.
Young People Deserve Better

Young People Deserve Better

This is a pivotal moment. We must not miss the opportunity to build a future where no young person is left behind.

LandAid will continue to stand alongside young people – and call for bold action that meets the scale of the challenge.