Verian supports the government’s new plan to end homelessness strategy

The UK government’s national plan to end homelessness, published last December, sets out a clear ambition: to end homelessness and rough sleeping, alongside supporting people in crises and tackling poor-quality temporary accommodation.

At Verian, our research, evaluation and policy expertise span the three pillars of the strategy, addressing the short-, medium- and long-term causes of homelessness. We support the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), local authorities and sector partners to design and deliver evidence-based solutions that prevent homelessness and improve outcomes for vulnerable households.

Delivering the government’s homelessness ambitions requires collaboration, innovation and high-quality evidence. Verian brings deep sector expertise, rigorous research and evaluation methods and a long track record of supporting central government, local authorities and sector organisations to produce quality evidence. 

1. Tackling root causes through long-term reform

The homelessness strategy emphasises the need to address the structural drivers of homelessness: limited housing supply, insecure private renting and poverty.

• Strengthening affordable housing supply
  
  We’re evaluating the 2021-2026 Affordable Housing Programme, the UK government’s £12 billion investment into affordable homes.

• Evaluating the Renters’ Rights Act for MHCLG
  
  We are assessing how this landmark legislation is implemented and how it helps prevent homelessness caused by evictions in the private rented sector.

• Using data to identify households at risk
  
  For the Centre for Homelessness Impact, we evaluated how councils can use existing data to predict and prevent homelessness before crisis occurs.

2. Supporting councils to shift from crisis to prevention

The strategy’s second pillar focuses on equipping councils and public services with the tools, duties and investment needed to intervene earlier.

• Evaluating the Local Authority Housing Fund
  
  We are assessing how the Fund helps councils acquire new homes for households facing homelessness, providing insights into delivery, value for money and local impact.
  
  
• Developing outcomes for safe accommodation under the Domestic Abuse Act
  
  Domestic abuse is a major driver of homelessness for women and children. Our work helps MHCLG monitor and improve safe accommodation provision across England.

3. Taking immediate action on rough sleeping and temporary accommodation

The strategy also commits to reducing and improving the most acute forms of homelessness.

• Improving temporary accommodation
  
  For the Centre for Homelessness Impact, we developed a framework to assess the value for money of temporary accommodation, helping councils invest in models that improve quality and experience.
  
  
• Surveying rough sleepers nationwide
  
  In early 2025, we delivered a major survey of 1,245 rough sleepers for MHCLG, updating national evidence on the experiences and needs of people sleeping rough.