More than one in four young people are worried that they or someone they know will become homeless in the next 12 months, a giant UK-wide public attitudes poll reveals today.
The new study, conducted by Opinium on behalf of leading social enterprise Places for People, has collected the views of 550 young people aged 16 to 24 as part of a wider multigenerational survey of 4,000 UK citizens. The research is being released in the weeks leading up to the General Election next month.
Giving fresh insight on topics from homelessness to housebuilding, today’s latest data brings to light the standout opinions of some of the youngest people eligible to vote in the Election – highlighting their priorities and concerns for the future compared to their elders.
Places for People’s wide-ranging study today reveals that young people aged 16 to 24 are among the most concerned that they or someone they know will become homeless in the next 12 months – more than one in four (28%).
It also revealed that they are the least likely to oppose new affordable housebuilding in their area – just one in 10 (10%) – and are the least concerned about saving money over the planet when it comes to the energy efficiency of their home (fewer than one in five, 16%).
On homelessness, over two-thirds (68%) of young people feel social housing should be prioritised for those rough sleeping, sofa surfing or living in unsuitable temporary accommodation.
Meanwhile, eight in 10 (81%) aged 16 to 24 believe the Government should provide more funding to prevent homelessness. This is a multigenerational sentiment, as is the firm shared belief (roughly 78% of all ages) that the Prime Minister should build more social homes to tackle homelessness.
Young people were the likeliest to associate social housing with positive words such as ‘togetherness’ (one in four), ‘unity’ (one in five) and ‘thriving’ (one in ten).
This is in stark contrast to those aged 55 and over who instead are the likeliest to associate words such as ‘unemployment’ (over a third), ‘lower income’ (two-thirds) and ‘antisocial behaviour’ (over one in four).
These sentiments appear linked to the softest opposition among young people to new affordable or social housebuilding in their area, likewise their strong support for mixed Communities. More than two-thirds (67%) of young people believe that new housing schemes should include all tenures – including social rent.
DEEPLY TROUBLING
Gillian Clater, Places for PeopleGillian Clater of the Unlock Next Gen group at Places for People, says: “As the future of our Communities, it is deeply troubling that young people with their lives ahead of them are among the most worried about becoming homeless.
“A distinct lack of affordable housing is pricing more and more young people out of buying or renting a quality and secure home to become the bedrock of their future. Worse still, every fourth young person or a friend fears having no home at all within a year.
“This group deserves a social system which brings them opportunity, not fear. It’s vital the voices of young people are heard by those responsible for shaping the solution to society’s gravest challenges.
“While our research sets young people apart as being climate conscious, inclusive and socially aware, their overriding message today is crystal clear.
“We simply must build more of the right homes for the right people, including student accommodation and homes affordable to young people. This will help satisfy a growing demand for housing of all types and lay the foundations for future generations to prosper. Talking is over, it’s time to build.”
