Rough sleeping in the UK has nearly doubled since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting calls for urgent action from government and local authorities. A report by the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) reveals that councils are spending over £2.3 billion annually on temporary accommodation, exacerbated by rising levels of migration. The CSJ suggests that individuals without the legal right to remain in the UK should be required to leave, stating that this policy is necessary to maintain public trust in the immigration system.

The report highlights a significant increase in rough sleepers from outside the UK, with the numbers more than doubling since 2021. The most common countries of origin for these individuals include Romania, Eritrea, and Poland. The CSJ argues that, where feasible, support should be provided to facilitate their return to their home countries. It emphasizes that those with rejected asylum claims, overstayed visas, or illegal status should also return to their countries of origin.

Housing First Program as a Solution

The CSJ advocates for a bold new approach to addressing homelessness through the Housing First program, which provides permanent accommodation and intensive support from the outset. This initiative has already been successfully piloted in regions such as the Liverpool City Region, Greater Manchester, and the West Midlands. The CSJ estimates that if implemented across England, the program could remove 5,571 individuals from the streets by 2029-30, marking a significant step toward ending rough sleeping.

With the program being described as “excellent value for money,” the CSJ asserts that every £1 invested would yield £2 in returns to taxpayers and society. This would be achieved through reduced costs associated with the NHS and the criminal justice system. Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, stressed that combating homelessness is both an economic necessity and a moral obligation, highlighting the success of the Housing First model in his region.

The CSJ’s chief executive, Andy Cook, emphasized the opportunity for Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner to champion a national rollout of the program. The report suggests that £103 million would be needed over four years to fund a national Housing First initiative. Funding could be sourced by eliminating relocation expenses for civil servants and reducing costs related to moving government departments into regional areas.

Government Response and Future Outlook

“Housing First is not just a successful pilot – it’s a model for reform. We’ve proven it works,”

stated Steve Rotheram, the Mayor of the Liverpool City Region. He called for ambitious measures to establish Housing First as the foundation of a national strategy to eradicate homelessness.

In response to the rising crisis, a spokesperson from the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government stated that the government is committed to decisive action against homelessness. The ministry is allocating £1 billion for essential homelessness and rough sleeping services, including funding for the Housing First program and other forms of accommodation.

Additionally, the government aims to address the root causes of homelessness by pledging to build 1.5 million new homes and abolish no-fault evictions. These measures are backed by a substantial investment of £39 billion.

As the crisis continues to grow, the proposed strategies may provide a path forward to alleviate the suffering of those experiencing homelessness and promote a more sustainable approach to immigration and social support in the UK.

A service station robbery in Tredegar on December 23, 2023, resulted in significant emotional distress for an employee, as two men forcibly entered the premises and stole cash. The incident, which took place at the Nantybwych service station, has left the victim suffering from anxiety and flashbacks related to the traumatic event.

During the robbery, one of the assailants, identified as Liam Watts, 23, and his accomplice approached the cashier, who was behind the counter. Both men had their faces concealed and demanded that she open the cash register. The victim later recounted the harrowing experience, stating that they assured her she would not be harmed if she complied. The men ultimately took £220 in cash from the till.

According to prosecutor Jenny Yeo, after accessing the cash, Watts proceeded to the tobacco shelf, filling a bag with items before exiting the store. As they fled, one of the robbers also took a bottle of brandy. Following the incident, the victim remained behind the counter for some time, overwhelmed by the situation, before she began to cry and contacted the police.

Watts, a resident of King Street in Ebbw Vale, was arrested shortly after the robbery. Initially denying the charges, he later tested positive for fingerprints found on a packet of tobacco left at the scene. Despite his denial, he ultimately pleaded guilty to the charge of robbery.

At a sentencing hearing held at Newport Crown Court, it emerged that Watts has a criminal history with five prior convictions, including offenses related to possession of cannabis and battery. In a victim personal statement presented to the court, the affected employee expressed the profound impact of the robbery on her mental health.

She explained, “As a result of this crime, my mental health has suffered a great deal, particularly at work. I work alone at the service station with customers coming and going frequently and generally feel fine, but when I am working late afternoons and night shifts, I feel nervous and have flashbacks.” To cope, she has sought the company of friends and her partner during shifts, highlighting her ongoing struggle with anxiety even in her home environment.

In mitigation, the court heard that Watts had experienced significant personal challenges, including being subject to care proceedings as a child and losing his mother at a young age. Additionally, he was involved in a serious car accident as a passenger at the age of 17, which further complicated his life circumstances. He is currently a father to two young children.

Judge Carl Harrison sentenced Watts to a total of 27 months in prison, aiming to reflect the severity of the crime and its impact on the victim’s life. The case underscores the ongoing issue of violence against workers in public-facing roles and the lasting effects such incidents can have on individuals and communities.

The recent conference of the union Unite in Brighton culminated in a significant decision to expel Angela Rayner, the deputy prime minister, from its ranks. This motion received overwhelming support and criticized the Labour council in Birmingham for its handling of a pay dispute involving the city’s bin workers, which the union claimed led to substantial pay cuts. The motion also condemned the Labour government for backing the council’s actions.

The general secretary of Unite, Sharon Graham, stated that Rayner had “backed a rogue council that has peddled lies and smeared its workers fighting huge pay cuts.” As a result of this motion, Rayner was suspended, although it should be noted that she has claimed to have already resigned from Unite and is a member of Unison, where she previously served as an official.

Implications for Labour and the Union Movement

The expulsion raises questions about the future of Labour’s relationship with its unions. The resolution’s call for Unite to “re-examine” its ties with the Labour Party comes at a crucial time, given recent controversies regarding changes to winter fuel payments and cuts to disability benefits. There are also reports of efforts to establish a new left-wing party, potentially led by former leader Jeremy Corbyn and MP Zarah Sultana. Such developments could lead Unite, which boasts a membership of over 1.2 million and has historically been a major donor to Labour, to reconsider its affiliation.

If Unite were to disaffiliate from Labour, it could significantly bolster any emerging left-wing party and pose a serious threat to Labour’s electoral prospects. The union has a storied history, having been a prominent supporter of the Labour left for more than seventy-five years. Under the leadership of former general secretary Len McCluskey, Unite played a vital role in electing Ed Miliband as party leader in 2010, only to later criticize him for shifting the party too far to the right. Unite’s support was crucial during Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership, and as Keir Starmer moves the party in a different direction, dissent within the union is re-emerging.

Current Leadership and Future Directions

While Graham’s leadership indicates a shift towards prioritizing industrial over political concerns, it does not necessarily signal a move towards investing in a new political party. Union leaders often prioritize the practicalities of protecting their members’ interests and may be hesitant to engage in risky political ventures. Despite the tensions, other major union affiliates such as Unison, GMB, and USDAW have largely refrained from publicly criticizing the government, indicating a level of loyalty and a desire not to exacerbate the challenges faced by the Starmer administration.

The Labour government’s employment rights bill, which proposes substantial enhancements to both individual and collective worker rights, is a key factor unions do not wish to jeopardize. Still, the current economic landscape presents challenges. With a struggling economy, stretched public services, and ongoing negotiations regarding public sector pay, even traditionally supportive union leaders may find themselves facing pressure from their members to adopt a more confrontational stance against the government.

As the political landscape evolves, the ramifications of Unite’s recent actions and the broader dynamics between Labour and its affiliated unions will remain a focal point of scrutiny. The road ahead is likely to be fraught with challenges for the Starmer government, requiring careful navigation through the complex interplay of union loyalty and the demands of their membership.

The phenomenon known as the “Gen Z stare” has emerged as a topic of conversation, highlighting a shift in emotional expression among younger generations. This behavior, characterized by a lack of visible reaction during interactions, has drawn attention and criticism, particularly from older generations.

This trend seems to stem from the unique upbringing of Generation Z, who have grown up in a digital landscape where their expressions have been closely monitored and curated. Many in this generation started using platforms like Snapchat at a young age, allowing them to live their lives through a camera lens. This constant self-observation has led to a heightened awareness of facial expressions and how they are perceived by others.

In conversations, individuals often find themselves pausing, as they process what has been said, leading to a seemingly neutral expression. This pause is not indicative of disinterest but rather a reflection of their conscious effort to manage their reactions. Unlike previous generations, who did not have the same level of scrutiny, Gen Z has developed a different relationship with their emotions and expressions.

The impact of television and social media cannot be overlooked. Reality television, such as shows featuring the Kardashians or Molly Mae Hague, offers insight into this evolution. Early seasons showcased raw expressions and unfiltered reactions, while contemporary episodes reveal a more polished and controlled demeanor. This shift may be attributed to the self-awareness that comes from constant self-exposure.

The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated this trend. Many young professionals began their careers in a virtual environment, where they could see themselves during meetings. This experience has contributed to a greater understanding of their “listening face” and how their expressions are interpreted by others.

Interestingly, this hyper-awareness of expressions is not confined to Generation Z. Many people today exhibit similar behaviors, characterized by delayed responses and neutral expressions. This has been compounded by the widespread acceptance of aesthetic treatments; in the UK, an estimated 11 percent of the population has undergone some form of cosmetic enhancement. As a result, some individuals may struggle to display emotions due to physical limitations.

Despite the criticism, there is a certain empowerment in maintaining a neutral expression. The ability to remain unbothered in the face of unexpected news can be amusing, as it leaves others guessing about one’s true feelings. The so-called “Gen Z stare” encapsulates this nonchalance, serving as a tool for both self-expression and playful defiance.

As society continues to navigate the complexities of emotional communication, the Gen Z stare may evolve further. What remains clear is that this generational behavior reflects broader changes in how individuals engage with their own feelings and the expectations of others.