A local expert has weighed in on new national statistics which show an 11% rise in people approaching Stoke-on-Trent City Council for homelessness support last year. 

The data, released this month by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, captured the 'statutory homelessness in England' figures for the financial year of 2022/23.

During the year, 1,547 households in Stoke-on-Trent reached out to the city council for support, an 11% rise from the previous year. 

Following assessment, 913 households were owed a relief duty and a further 627 households were also owed a prevention duty. 

Operations Manager for Community Housing, Dean Marsh, weighed in on the new data and shared more about why homelessness has continued to rise within the city in recent years. 

Operations Manager for Community Housing, Dean Marsh, weighed in on the new statistics (Concrete).

He said: "As a homelessness service, these numbers are sadly not shocking to us. It's something we're seeing more and more of, particularly in recent years. 

"There are many reasons for homelessness - it can genuinely happen to anyone. It could be due to the repossession of a property, losing a rented home through increased rent, fleeing dangerous situations like domestic abuse and other relationship or family breakdowns.

"The cost of living crisis is having a devastating impact on people's lives. People are struggling to budget their money and pay their bills, which results in them losing their home. They're having to make choices between their essentials - heating, eating and rent.

"It's never a choice. It might sometimes look that way, if we see someone coming back into the system again and again, but there's always a bigger reason. Everyone has a unique story that has brought them back to a homelessness service."

Concrete, based in Stoke-on-Trent, believes that to end homelessness, more than housing is needed. This means providing support and guidance to move forward and live independently.

Dean continued: "We can't just house someone, keep them warm for a while then send them away with no support. It's about teaching them how to navigate society, which is difficult if you have been on the outside of it for such a long time. 

"Many of the customers we see at Concrete have been entrenched in a homeless lifestyle for many years. It takes tailored support, kindness and understanding to truly make changes and break the cycle of homelessness. 

"It's the little things too. This year we opened a pantry at our Stoke head office. This is stocked with essential food and toiletries, all completely free to our customers, to make sure they have everything they need and don't have to go without."

READ MORE: Whopping runner bean grown in Stoke-on-Trent wins Guinness World Record

Free from clickbait, pop-up ads and unwanted surveys, Stoke Nub News is a quality online newspaper for our city.

Subscribe to our FREE weekly newsletter email HERE - just click the 'SIGN UP' button.

Please consider following Stoke Nub News on Facebook or Twitter.