For most people who celebrate, Christmas is a time where people come together as families and enjoy time spent reflecting and relaxing with the people they love.

However, very sadly for too many people across the UK the coming months will be a time of instability, worry and unrest. 

The charity Centrepoint, which supports young homeless people, estimates that over 24,400 young people will face homelessness or be at risk of homelessness across England this winter. That is 24,400 people aged between 16 and 24 who will likely find themselves without a roof over their head during the cold winter months. 

Nobody should have to deal with this devastating hardship at such a young age.

Each homeless young person will have their own story and I know that despite the inspiring work that local charities like the Doorstep Homeless Families Project, Kilburn Streets Kitchen and others do, there is not a fix-all solution. However, I do believe that there are things that we can do to begin to turn the tide on youth homelessness.

Ham & High: Tulip Siddiq says there are things that can be done to turn the tide on youth homelessnessTulip Siddiq says there are things that can be done to turn the tide on youth homelessness (Image: Tulip Siddiq)

Since last year, the number of young people in the UK approaching their local authority for support has risen by 5% to nearly 136,000. 

It is incredibly important that when this contact is made, local authorities have the resources to provide the assistance needed. Unfortunately, the harsh reality is that local government has lost £15 billion since 2010 and this has had a real impact on their ability to provide vital support to young people facing homelessness. 

I am determined to work with my Labour colleagues to turn this around should we form a government at the next election, by building strong local economies supporting strong local public services.

This would include providing youth workers in A&E, in pupil referral units, and in all communities to ensure that young people who are slipping through the net are identified as early as possible. 

Young people also need to receive the necessary support as soon as they are confronted with homelessness – this includes making sure that the government’s Renters Reform Bill retains their right to homelessness prevention support if they are served with a possession notice.

I regularly receive emails from my compassionate constituents expressing their concern for young people that they have seen sleeping rough. 

The last Labour Government cut statutory homelessness by three quarters – the next one will make it a priority to do the same.

  • Tulip Siddiq is Labour MP for Hampstead and Kilburn.