AS THE traditional Christmas flurry of concern for the homeless fades again into a new year, more young people than ever are being forced onto the streets in the social crisis of John Major's Tory In 1988 the Tories acted to stop benefit payments to 16 and 17 year-olds, at a stroke forcing hundreds deeper into poverty and homelessness. Benefits for 18-24 year olds were also cut, and will be cut again by the Jobseekers Allowance in 1995.
The result is that once they fall into the homeless trap, there is little way back out. Housing charities are now demanding that benefits be restored to jobless youth, alongside an increase in affordable rented accommodation, supported hostel places and other measures to care for those sleeping rough.
A survey of 1,500 homeless young people by the housing charity Centrepoint published last month showed that a massive 42% were aged 17 or younger. Nearly half were black or from ethnic minorities.
Two out of every five were women, with nearly half of them in the younger 16-17 age group, compared to a third of the men.
The vast majority had been forced to leave home. 30% had been told to go, 27% left because of family arguments, and eight percent left because of physical or sexual violence.
London
Unlike the pattern in the 1980s, when many young homeless people gravitated to London from other parts of the country, Centrepoint now finds an increasing proportion are from the South East.
Yet two thirds of the youngsters had gained some educational qualifications, and most said they were looking for work.
There is no doubt that the rising tide of misery on the streets is linked to growing unemployment, overcrowding and the social pressures of a society divided by Tory policies.
• Job Seekers Allowance • Incapacity Benefit O