On 15 July, news emerged from Glasgow that 3,000 children are currently homeless. While this is a particularly harrowing statistic for Scotland’s largest city, this homelessness crisis is not confined to Glasgow or Scotland. It is a reflection of a broader, more pervasive issue that plagues the entire UK. The responsibility for this crisis does not lie squarely with the SNP. Because it’s the Conservative Party which has failed to address the systemic issues that underpin child homelessness.
Glasgow: a microcosm on UK homelessness
The stark reality in Glasgow is a microcosm of the UK-wide homelessness crisis. Across the nation, hundreds of thousands of children are without a stable home, a situation that has profound implications for their health, education, and future prospects. The Conservative Party, which was in power at Westminster for 14 years, bears sole responsibility for this dire state of affairs. Austerity measures, cuts to social services, and a failure to invest adequately in social housing have all contributed to the rising tide of homelessness.
For Scotland in particular, successive Tory governments also cut block grant funding – meaning by 2021 it was worth around 2% less per person. However, the news about Glasgow’s homelessness crisis came at the same time the Herald revealed the Scottish government had cut its affordable housing budget.
However, thanks to botched devolution, Scotland is still tied to the rest of the UK. Decisions politicians and others make at Westminster, in the Bank of England, and the Treasury and other departments still impact north of the border.
Meanwhile, under Tory leadership local authorities across England have seen their budgets slashed, leading to a reduction in support services that are crucial for vulnerable families. The Bedroom Tax, Benefit Cap, and Universal Credit system have disproportionately affected low-income households, pushing many into precarious housing situations. These policies have created a perfect storm, leaving hundreds of thousands of children without a safe place to call home.
Labour: more of the same?
The recent change in Westminster government, with the Labour Party now at the helm, has brought renewed hope for tackling homelessness. However, its plans will not go far enough. Broadly, the party has pledged to do very little different to the Conservatives – and has made only vague statements around social housing.
Another key criticism of Labour’s approach is that it does not address the root causes of homelessness.
While building more social housing is undoubtedly necessary, it must be accompanied by broader reforms to the welfare system, healthcare, and education. Homelessness is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted response. Without addressing the underlying economic and social factors that contribute to homelessness, Labour’s plans risk being little more than a sticking plaster on a broken leg.
Moreover, Labour’s plans must contend with the legacy of austerity and cuts that have left local authorities struggling to provide basic services. Reversing these cuts and restoring funding to essential support services will be critical in providing the safety net that vulnerable families need. This includes mental health services, addiction support, and employment programs that can help families break the cycle of homelessness.
A Starmer government will not end homelessness
The homelessness crisis among children in Glasgow is a national disgrace that demands urgent action. It is a stark reminder of the failures of both the Conservative Party and the SNP to protect the most vulnerable members of society.
The new Labour government must rise to the challenge and implement bold, comprehensive measures to address the root causes of homelessness. This includes not only building more social housing but also reforming the welfare system, investing in support services, and tackling the broader social and economic inequalities that drive homelessness.
Sadly, it is unlikely it will do this.
The plight of 3,000 homeless children in Glasgow is a tragic reflection of a much larger problem that affects the entire UK. It is imperative that all levels of government work together to create a society where no child has to experience the trauma and instability of homelessness.
Featured image via Envato Elements
