'Important progress' made in tackling youth homelessness » Housing » 24dash.com

The number of homeless young people in England and Wales has fallen in the last three years, figures released today showed.

But there was no drop in youth homelessness in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The report, published by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, is the first UK-wide review of youth homelessness for a decade.

It revealed at least 75,000 young people across the UK had experienced homelessness in 2006-07, but also pointed out that the true number was likely to be much higher.

This is because the figures only included young people in contact with homelessness services or agencies and did not take into account so-called "sofa surfers" who rely on staying with friends or relatives.

The data showed that young women are more likely to be statutorily homeless than men of a similar age.

Researchers also looked at the reasons behind youth homelessness and found the main cause was the breakdown of family relationships.

Young people at greatest risk of homelessness tended to come from disadvantaged backgrounds and/or had experienced disruption or trauma as a child.

A significant number had also suffered violence at home.

The report concluded that agencies and local authorities were meeting the needs of vulnerable 16 to 17-year-olds more effectively than a decade ago.

However, those aged between 18 and 24 were now comparatively worse off.

Deborah Quilgars, one of the report's authors, said: "This review demonstrates that important progress has been made in tackling youth homelessness over the last decade, particularly amongst the younger age group.

"However, young people still report problems in accessing some services as well as appropriate longer-term accommodation when they can no longer stay with their family or are ready for independent living.

"The evidence suggests that future policy should build on the preventative agenda, both in terms of earlier interventions and the creation of more affordable housing pathways for young people."

Caroline Day, senior policy and research officer at homelessness charity Centrepoint, added: "It is important we understand and build on what has been successful and change what hasn't worked, focusing our sights on the ultimate goal - that no young person should become homeless."