The scale of homelessness in Coventry
The following is a detailed analysis of the assessments carried out by the service to evaluate the current scale of the homelessness in terms of households and individuals approaching the homelessness service in Coventry. This evaluation gives a scope of the demand for the service, who requires the service, duties carried out, and the outcome of the duties.
11.1. Front line approaches
In 2022/2023, the council had 5797 individual household approaches to its homelessness front-line service which translates to an average of 16% growth rate since 2019. Among the households that approached the council, 2848 completed a homelessness assessment which resulted in 2788 households being owed a housing duty. 30% of the households being owed a duty were assessed as being threatened with homelessness and 70% were assessed as already homeless. The 2949 households who did not complete a full homelessness need assessment were provided with housing-related advice.
Summary of Assessments carried out (by Household Make Up)
11.2. Demographic of households approaching
The demographic profile of those who approached the Council's homeless service generally mirrors the national picture. In Coventry, the majority of applicants were white, constituting 53.4% of the assessed households. Moreover, the demographics skewed towards younger age groups, with 53.4% of those threatened with homelessness or already homeless falling within this category. Among those assessed, 42.2% were unemployed, and 12.2% were unable to work due to a long-term illness or disability—a figure significantly lower than the national average of 14.1%. Single applicants comprised the largest portion of those facing homelessness or the threat of it, aligning with the national trend observed in 2022/23.
11.3. Support Needs of homeless households in 2022/2023
When a homelessness application is made, a housing needs assessment is completed, the assessment looks to quantify the support needs of the household/ individual.
In 2022/2023, 1189 households were assessed as having identified support needs. The breakdown of the needs is as follows.
During 2022/23, a notable number of cases presented complexities requiring more than just housing support, notably mental health assistance. Out of 1189 who were assessed as being owed a prevention or relief duty, additional support needs were identified. Mental health emerged as the primary support requirement, accounting for 35.5% of cases, followed by physical health needs at 25.5%. Substance misuse also played a significant role, comprising 13.6% of cases among individuals seeking assistance from the council’s homeless service.