I am writing this petition out of personal urgency and a sincere calling for social justice. Vulnerable tenants, many of whom are suffering from mental health conditions, grappling with substance abuse issues, impaired by disabilities or strangled by limited financial resources, are at imminent risk of homelessness due to non-renewal of tenancy and eviction.

Today, we urge all councils to pay more than just lip service to this pressing issue, but to take immediate action and implement measures to prioritize the needs of vulnerable tenants. Society's measures of welfare should not be an afterthought — they should be at the forefront of all decisions.

Existing council practices often fail to adequately support these vulnerable individuals. Their lives should not be a game of policy roulette; rather it should be held in regard with dignity and respect — crucial values that speak to our shared humanity. We need stronger support systems, so no person, already burdened, is forced onto the streets.

Homelessness is a big issue affecting hundreds of thousands of people across the UK and those numbers have only been increasing around the country in 2024.

The cost of living crisis and the housing crisis in the UK means more people are facing homelessness. It’s an issue that should remain at the forefront of our minds as a society, not just when World Homeless Day comes around on 10 October every year.

Despite living in the world’s sixth biggest economy, people are still living with no place to call their home in this country, whether it be sleeping rough, sofa surfing or any other type of homelessness. This injustice must end.

There are ongoing efforts to end homelessness and rough sleeping. 

Labour has promised to build 1.5 million homes and prioritise social rent properties to tackle the housing crisis. Meanwhile, housing secretary Angela Rayner will lead a cross-government unit on tackling homelessness.

The Scottish government has declared a housing emergency while the Welsh government is also focusing on more social housing to ease its own homelessness crisis.

Preventing homelessness starts with prioritizing vulnerable tenants, giving them the protections and security they deserve, and remembering that their homes are so much more than just a property agreement, and certainly more than a monetary statistic. 

Stand with us. Let's shine a light on this dark shadow, and together, let's make a lasting change. Sign the petition. Act now.