28 February 2024 , 20:00
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Stars Ellie Goulding, Imelda Staunton, and David Gandy are calling on politicians to end homelessness "for good" in the next decade.
Demanding action at the general election from party leaders they warn hundreds of thousands of people are being failed by England’s “broken” housing system.
In an open letter to Rishi Sunak, Keir Starmer, and Ed Davey, they say: "This country doesn't need to be a place where any of us spends a night on the streets fearing for our lives." They warn families are being forced to live in cramped hostels and mouldy B&Bs with the number of people trapped in temporary accommodation soaring in recent years.
The celebrities who signed the letter organised by Crisis also include Staunton’s Crown co-star Sir Jonathan Pryce, actor Will Poulter, and comedians Jo Brand, Joe Lycett and Aisling Bea. Others include Dune actress Rebecca Ferguson, Gangs of London star Sope Dirisu, Bastille singer Dan Smith, and Downton Abbey actor Jim Carter. They are also joined by campaigners with experiences of homelessness.
The letter states: “For decades now, successive governments have failed in their duty to take the critical steps needed to end homelessness, and to build enough social housing. This has to change. That’s why we’re joining together to demand that you make ending homelessness a society-wide mission for the next decade.
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"At the next election we have a decision to make. But so do you. This is your chance to build a lasting legacy by taking the decisive action needed to end homelessness for good.”
It comes as a new analysis from Crisis shows the extent to which the number of families stuck in emergency accommodation has surged in every region over the last 10 years. In June 2013 the figure stood at 55,840 but ballooned to 105,750 in 2023.
The biggest growth was in the North West where just 979 households were in temporary housing ten years ago compared to 7,420 as of June 2023 - an increase of over 600%. London had the highest figure with 60,580 families in temporary accommodation - an increase of 55% in the same time period.
Matt Downie, the chief executive of Crisis, said: “It’s a national disgrace that we’ve got children growing up in dingy B&Bs that make them ill, while others are being forced to wash their clothes in the bath or cook in a kettle because they don’t have access to basic things like a washing machine or even a kitchen. This has to change.
“As an election draws closer, we need to see firm plans from our leading politicians on how we’re going to bring homelessness down. These must include clear promises to build thousands more social homes and invest in support services so that no one is left fearing for their life on our streets."