by John Chisengalumbwe
Councillor for Islington Borough Janet Burgess has said she will ensure social care and housing are among the main priorities her office will address in the borough this year.
Cllr Burgess told Holloway Express that social care will be given provision, especially when it comes to caring in the homes for the elderly and disabled.
She added that she will also ensure assessment for care is improved with regular meetings throughout the year.
According to Islington Council, homelessness in the borough has risen in the last five years.
“Housing is a priority we are experiencing overcrowding in temporary accommodation and we will make sure we set new plans to start building more affordable housing although funding remains our challenge as we have had a 70% reduction in funding which remains a huge challenge to tackle the housing crisis in the borough,” Cllr Burgess said.
John Edwards who has been homeless since 2010, said: “I have been homeless for eight years and I am now staying with my sister.”
“I sleep on her couch and at times she will kick me out and I end up spending nights with friends who can only keep me up for a day all two,” he added, speaking outside a homeless unit on Upper Street.
“My case worker has told me to look for private accommodation as there are no temporary housing in the borough and it’s difficult for me to get into private accommodation as it’s expensive.
“I can’t afford it and most private landlords don’t accept housing benefit,” said the self-employed plumber.
According to data released by the Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government, the estimated number of people sleeping rough in London was 4,677. And there is a growing crisis in social care for the elderly and disabled people in London which is mounting pressure on the NHS.
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