Two weeks ago, our CEO Hannah sent a bunch of flowers to the Chancellor . 

Then, with only 2 weeks left before the Autumn Budget, Hannah’s flowers postcard asked Ms Reeves to make sure young people living in supported accommodation aren’t penalised for getting into work. Youth Concern stands with the #MakeWorkPay Campaign which called for change to the broken system that unfairly penalises young people in supported housing when they get a job… 

People like the nine 18-25 year olds who were homeless but now live with us at our Next Step Project.  

Right now, many young people lose vital benefits  as soon as they start working more than a certain number of hours, leaving them worse off financially and trapped in a benefit trap. Hannah’s postcard urged the Government to fix the system.

Well, today we are celebrating because the Chancellor has fixed this cruel quirk in the benefit system that will make work pay for young people in supported housing!

The government is introducing new earned income disregards in Housing Benefit for claimants in supported housing and temporary accommodation. This will reduce the financial cliff edge when moving into, or progressing in, work, ensuring that work pays. This small change will support more young people into work – and level the playing field with their peers in the private rented sector.  

Being part of a collective of youth homeless charities means Youth Concern’s voice carries further than Buckinghamshire. 

On behalf of the 9 previously homeless 18-25 year old that live at our Next Step Project, we’d like to thank Rt Hon Rachel Reeves and our MP Laura Kyrke-Smith for this fantastic change.