New figures point to big rise in the homelessness

Figures for 2011-12 show that 123 were classed as homeless, compared to 65 in 2009-10, said the federation.

While in the Stratford council area there was a 45 per cent increase, with 87 classed as homeless.

That compares with 60 in 2009-10, while across Warwickshire the figure has risen from 253 classed as homeless to 427.

The National Housing Federation said the shortage of new homes being built in the West Midlands region is pushing up house prices and private rents, making it increasingly difficult for people to afford to rent or buy.

Rents in the private sector are predicted to increase by nearly 60 per cent over the next ten years, said the federation.

While social housing waiting lists across Warwickshire were 13,612 households in 2011, up 115 per cent since 2001.

In an effort to raise awareness of the problem, young people will be making a mural in the Royal Priors shopping centre on Wednesday, organised by the charity Vinspired.

The charity gives people aged 14-25 the chance to run projects to tackle problems in their area and the initiative is backed by Warwick and Leamington Green Party activist Jonathan Chilvers, who leads a homeless project.

He said: “It’s great that Vinspired is raising awareness of youth homelessness. Sleeping rough is the tip of a far larger hidden iceberg.”

And speaking of Warwick District Council’s plans for housing, he said: “There is a massive shortage of housing at decent prices in Leamington and Warwick.

“The council’s plan recognises the problem, but doesn’t have the political will to tackle it. Instead, 1000s of properties will be built on our green belt land that local people can’t afford.”

The National Housing Federation calls itself the voice of affordable housing in England, represents the work of housing associations and campaign for better housing.

Spokeswoman Gemma Duggan said: “We’re only building half the homes we need in the West Midlands and the shortfall is having a huge impact on people from all walks of life and Warwickshire is no exception.

“We’ve seen a huge rise in social housing waiting lists across Warwickshire over the past decade and a worrying increase in the number of homeless people over the past two years.

“Housing associations are ready and able to play their part by delivering more homes but a ready supply of public land is needed to make a real difference.

“Public support for building the right homes in the right places is also crucial and we need to help the voices of those who say ‘Yes’ to homes to be heard.”

The federation’s campaign Yes to Homes is aimed at building public support for new housing and the chance for electors to lobby councillors and MPs.