The Guardian newspaper released an article in conjunction
with Homeless Link this week, outlining the risk of a surge in rough sleeping as
services are pushed beyond their capacity to pay for soaring energy costs.
Nomad has not escaped this fate as we struggle to cope with our
own rising rates and a lack of support from the Government. This winter has proven
especially difficult with some severe cold snaps, it is not a surprise everyone
wants to have their heating on. But Nomad has seen our accommodation gas bill
rise from £1,300 to £3,500 a month. This is an increase of 170% in just a few
short months.
This is not a cost which can be passed along to our tenants,
they are vulnerable adults claiming Universal Credit. So far, there has been no
lift in these benefits to support those with the lowest income in our society.
Our only choice is to pay the difference and absorb the additional fees in the
energy bills. This is a cost which we, as a small charity, are struggling to
afford. This story is being repeated up and down the county, with local service
providers crying out for support and receiving nothing.
What will happen when energy prices go up again? Or we cannot
raise the money to continue covering this cost? We will be forced to hand back
the properties we manage and risk those vulnerable tenants facing eviction and
rough sleeping.
Our Chief Executive, Steve Rundell said: “It’s an extremely
worrying and depressing scenario. Nomad, as members of Homeless Link, fully
supports their national campaign to persuade government to continue to
financially support the utility bills of charities past March 2023, but up to
now we have little confidence that the government is really listening.”
We are all under pressure this winter, but if you can spare
£10 to help us keep vulnerable adults safe and warm, please consider donating to
Nomad Opening Doors.
