MP checks out effects of Government cuts on charities

The shadow housing secretary and Wentworth and Dearne MP said two charities helping the homeless may have to close their doors if cuts to housing benefit are imposed.

He said the changes could force around 110 vulnerable people back onto the streets.

Rotherham council estimate that processing one application from a household presenting as homeless and providing temporary accommodation and support costs, on average, £3,500, putting the potential cost of these benefit changes at £385,000.

On top of that, the charities say another 70 people would lose out on vital support they receive to stay in their homes, which could also lead to evictions and homelessness.

Rush House and Target Housing, who have both been operating in the town for decades, warned that they would lose out on £8,000 a week collectively if the changes come in and may have to cut back services to a bare minimum, if not close altogether.

Mr Healey said it was thought up to 1,264 vulnerable and elderly people in Rotherham were at risk of losing their supported housing.  

“If the Government carry on with this huge, across-the-board cut in housing benefit, it’s going to hit these schemes, like Rush House and Target, and they are going to have to close their doors,” he said.

“The people who will lose out will be some of the most vulnerable people in the country.

“But it also means that someone else will have to pick up the bill, and that will be the council and council taxpayers.

“More people will end up in hospital or back in prison. It’s a short-term cut that will have long-term costs for the taxpayer as well as causing a lot of anguish for people that will be directly affected.”