Zoopla and homeless charity Crisis are calling on the government to increase housing benefit at the next budget in a bid to avoid thousands of people from being pushed into homelessness.

The call to action comes after the two organisations signed a three-year partnership deal and published research highlighting how low-income renters across England are facing a ‘housing black hole’. It is feared a combination of rising rents and a freeze on housing benefit will cause a major shortfall for many in affordable property.

SUPPORT ENDING HOMELESSNESS

Zoopla is now calling on agents and landlords to evolve with the market to create a sector that maintains supply and supports renters.

The property portal also wants agents and landlords to understand how to support ending homelessness, shifting perceived stereotypes and consumers views along the way.

Charlie Bryant (pictured), Chief Executive of Zoopla, said, “Homelessness is a real problem around the UK, with rough sleeping only the tip of the iceberg. We recognise that the cost of living crisis is going to put even more pressure on those at risk of homelessness.”

Matt Downie, Crisis Chief Executive, added, “We know that homelessness isn’t inevitable and that – with the right insight – we can develop evidence-based strategies to ensure no one has to endure the hardship of being without a home.”

This latest partnership comes after dozens of UK charities warned Tory leadership hopefuls Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak of a homelessness “precipice” as soaring energy bills combine with record rents.

NO-FAULT EVICTIONS

In a letter earlier this week 29 homelessness organisations, including Shelter and Crisis, urged the foreign secretary and former chancellor to honour Tory manifesto commitments to ban so-called “no-fault” evictions and end rough sleeping by 2024.

The charities warned: “Without governmental intervention, we fear many more people could be forced into homelessness.”