Number of Ipswich households seeking homelessness support rises by 65%

Why it matters: The significant rise reflects deepening housing challenges in Ipswich, where private rental costs have increased by 8.9% in the past year while local wages remain below the national average.

By the numbers:

• 505 households had initial homelessness assessments from April to June 2024

• 339 households were assessed as requiring support

• 83 Ipswich households are currently in temporary accommodation

The local picture: Jools Ramsey-Palmer , CEO of Ipswich Housing Action Group (ihAg), explains why Ipswich is particularly vulnerable:

"For Ipswich, the situation is affected by a number of factors," she says. "Ipswich is the most relatively deprived Authority within Suffolk, ranking 71 in 2019 out of 317 local authorities in England in the Index of Multiple Deprivation."

The rental challenge:

• 79% of Ipswich's rental properties are privately owned

• Average two-bedroom rent has risen from £700 to £829 monthly

• Flats now average £792 per month

• Local Housing Allowance for shared accommodation remains at £84.35 weekly

• Universal Credit for over-25s stands at £393.45 monthly

"People face a significant lack of affordable accommodation in the town," says Ramsey-Palmer, noting that Ipswich's median salary of £39,700 compared to England's £42,200 means more household income is "being spent on household costs, edging more households towards poverty."

What's next: While the Government has announced an additional £233m for tackling homelessness in 2025-26, local challenges are mounting:

• Suffolk County Council plans to reduce its Housing Related Support contract by 66% from April 2025

• Housing benefit rates remain static despite rising rents

• Private rental costs continue to increase

The bottom line: "Access to safe, affordable, good quality housing is not only a basic human right but is also fundamental to everyone's health and wellbeing," says Ramsey-Palmer. "Investment must be made in providing affordable homes, but also long-term support services to ensure people are able to maintain them without the need for crisis services."