Cambridge Cyrenians featured in this week’s Cambridge Independent thanks to reporting from Mike Scialom on work to support the homelessness in Cambridge. Mike discussed homelessness with Cyrenians, City Councillor Gerri Bird, Jimmy’s and Wintercomfort, and the Hill Group’s SoloHaus team.

Cambridge Cyrenians Director, James Martin, spoke to Mike about the Autumn Statement.

“The increased use of sanctions presents a real threat to people maintaining their accommodation. Sanctions vary but generally increase with repeat offences. People can end up with a six-month sanction which would take £12.10 from a daily benefit entitlement of £12.12. This is clearly going to leave individuals with no money to live on and most who receive their housing costs payment directly will be forced to make a choice between paying for food or rent”, James explained.

Find out more about why we’re concerned about the impact of increased benefit sanctions on people in Cambridge who are trying to escape homelessness.