CENTREPOINT'S 50TH ANNIVERSARY

That this House commends the work of youth homelessness charity Centrepoint on their 50th anniversary; is deeply concerned that in 2017-18 an estimated 103,000 young people in the UK were homeless or at risk; regrets that five decades on Centrepoint are still working with homeless young people in crisis who face the challenge of finding affordable housing and a living wage; recognises that under-25s leaving hostel accommodation are only entitled to the Shared Accommodation Rate of Local Housing Allowance, which rarely covers the full cost of renting a room; further recognises that over-25s leaving hostel accommodation are exempt from this lower rate, increasing their ability to move into longer term accommodation and to free up hostel spaces for others in urgent need; supports Centrepoint’s recommendation to extend the exemption from the Shared Accommodation Rate to under-25s; and believes that young people deserve the same chance to move on from homelessness for good.