Second `explosion' in young homeless threatened

Government proposals to tighten up on benefits for teen- agers who have left home could lead to an "explosion in street homelessness" similar to that of the late Eighties, according to the latest report by Centrepoint, a charity for the homeless.

The 16- and 17-year-olds who now qualify for income support under the severe hardship provision will have to provide evidence that they are estranged from their home, with investigating officers contacting parents directly if appropriate.

Ministers have argued that young people could and should depend on their families for support, but the report, They Don't Want Me Back, estimates that 85 per cent of those leaving home at 16 and 17 are forced out and only 4 per cent were able to return home after leaving a Centrepoint hostel.

In 1987, 16- and 17-year-olds made up 40 per cent of newly homeless people admitted to Centrepoint's direct access shelters; by 1993-94 that was 55 per cent - a 38 per cent rise.

Nick Hardwick, in his last public appearance as Centrepoint's chief executive, said the measures would make it more difficult for needy young to claim. "The mistake made in the late Eighties is going to be repeated ... How on earth is a young person going to provide evidence to say they are estranged? I can't think of any parents who have kicked out their kids who is going to admit this. It will affect the most vulnerable young people who have been most badly treated. People do not choose to be on the streets."

Charles Hendry, Conservative MP for High Peak, said young people's wishes would be followed if they did not want contact with parents. "A young person has a right to say `no I don't want you to', and that will be respected."

In addition, the Job Seeker's Allowance, cutting unemployment benefit from a year to six months, will mean a 20 per cent benefit cut for under 25s. They receive the same unemployment benefit as their elders, but income support is pounds 10 less.

Diana Maddock, Liberal Democrat MP for Christchurch, said this would alienate people in their twenties who could have worked for six years before losing their job and their home. Her party was committed to restoring full benefits to 16- and 17-year-olds.