East Lindsey Sees Surge in Homelessness Referrals Amid Economic Strain
The number of homelessness referrals in East Lindsey has sharply increased, with the local council reporting over 400 cases in the past year. According to the East Lindsey District Council, there were 468 referrals for 208 individuals sleeping rough between April 2024 and March 2025. This marks a notable rise from the previous year, which saw 440 referrals for 362 people during the same period.
During a recent overview committee meeting on October 14, Carol Rippin, team leader for the rough sleeping intervention team at the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership, provided insights into the increasing challenges faced by the council. She highlighted factors contributing to the uptick in referrals, including the mobility of rough sleepers, vague information concerning their circumstances, and safety risks that complicate engagement efforts.
Rippin emphasized the pressing issue of housing affordability, particularly affecting young people. “The cost of living and universal credit limitations make housing unaffordable, especially for under-25-year-olds,” she stated. The situation is exacerbated by selective landlord practices, as many prefer tenants who are employed rather than those on benefits.
“They always want people who are working, and they don’t really like people who are on benefits, especially if they’ve got complex needs,” Rippin explained. She expressed concern that these individuals often become “lost to the system, lost to themselves, and lost to their friends and family.” The council recognizes its responsibility to locate these individuals, with teams conducting outreach twice weekly.
Efforts to Combat Homelessness
The rough sleeping team is actively collaborating with various partners to reduce the prevalence of homelessness in East Lindsey. Rippin underscored the importance of prevention, stating, “We’re looking at preventing rough sleeping wherever possible, and wherever it does occur, it is rare, brief, and non-recurrent.”
The council’s efforts focus on tackling issues such as addiction, mental health, and re-offending. Building trust and confidence with those affected is crucial for encouraging engagement with support services. Rippin noted the effectiveness of strong partnerships with other councils, health services, and community organizations in addressing these challenges.
Despite these efforts, some individuals sleeping rough express a reluctance to accept assistance, complicating outreach initiatives. Nevertheless, the council has made significant strides, successfully supporting 113 individuals in East Lindsey to secure accommodation between March 2024 and April 2025. Most of those supported are now living in privately rented properties, social housing, or supported housing.
As the council continues to navigate the complexities of homelessness in the region, Rippin remains hopeful about the potential for positive change, emphasizing the need for ongoing collaboration and support.
