Matt Downie

Most senior political Spurs fan?

100%

Gutted. Angela Rayner was the best and most consequential Housing Secretary in a generation.

in some areas, yes.

Only 2.5% of private rentals in England affordable on housing benefit, study finds Exclusive: Charities say freeze to housing benefit will push more people into rent arrears and homelessness

Welcome to the world of the absurd. Housing Benefit is frozen, leaving less than 3% of the rental market accessible to those in need. Homelessness skyrockets. Local government foots the bill, spending £2.3bn keeping people homeless in temporary accommodation

www.theguardian.com/money/2025/a...

Covid effectively ended rough sleeping. So where did it all go wrong? The Everyone In scheme virtually ended rough sleeping during the Covid pandemic but five years on homelessness has surged to new heights.

It has been five years since the Everyone In scheme. It was an extraordinary and unique moment, but we mustn’t over-claim what it achieved…

Thanks @lgeraghty23.bsky.social for speaking to me about it.

www.bigissue.com/news/housing...

‘It’s hell on earth for me’: how did Joe Black overdose in a homeless hostel with zero tolerance for drugs? Joe was a gifted musician who struggled with addiction and poor mental health. When he got a place at an award-winning ‘sanctuary’ in London, it sounded perfect. The reality was shockingly different

This is essential reading. Rest in peace, Joe.

www.theguardian.com/society/2025... @shattenstone.bsky.social

Sticking plaster politics and the sticky realities of the housing crisis The prime minister has vowed to move beyond Elastoplast solutions. But with homelessness, he has a long way to go

This brilliant piece from @tom-clark.bsky.social nails the current homelessness dilemma for the Government.

'We must choose between the flimsy plaster of nightly-paid lets and the sturdy bandage that a higher Local Housing Allowance would provide.'

www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/politics/lab...

Big day for @crisis-uk.bsky.social today, with a landmark conference to get bold ideas into the coming Westminster strategy on homelessness. Nice to kick off the day with a big welcome from Deputy PM and keynote speech from Minister, Rushanara Ali.

Great to be at No.10 today, talking about solutions to homelessness. Larry was in attendance.

There has to be a novel or play in this, Robyn

Superb, thanks Anna

BBC and All Souls looking resplendent tonight. Thanks Gaby Roslin for having me on the show to talk about @crisis-uk.bsky.social services this Christmas

That’s really kind, thank you

Great to be on the Beeb this morning, talking about the money announced for tackling homelessness today.

Money for councils v welcome. Also need a massive scale up of social housing, and to start preventing homelessness.

In Westminster today to speak to MPs about the forthcoming homelessness strategy. It’s time to think big!

Huge thanks to @paulabarkermp.bsky.social for having me.

Very good to speak to @shelaghfogarty.bsky.social at @lbc.co.uk today. I’m a real fan. She hears stories of homelessness all the time. A lot to talk about.

Attention Bluesky friends!

Chris and Jonny from Coldplay are playing a one-off and very special gig at Hackney Church, on Tuesday! All proceeds to @crisis-uk.bsky.social

www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/evening-wi...

Amazing to speak at the first Faculty for Homeless and Inclusion Health National Student Conference in Sheffield today. An inspirational day! #homelesshealth #inclusionhealth #homelessness

Home Office doubles time given to refugees to find accommodation The period for refugees to move out of supported housing will increase from 28 to 56 days.

Home Office doubles time given to refugees to find accommodation

Yep. Maddening.

Good news - the Government have extended the move on period for newly granted refugees from 28 to 56 days. In our world, this is fantastic news, giving a fighting chance that people can avoid homelessness. Hooray!

Thanks both!

Thanks again to @liamthorp.bsky.social for such a searing report. Our services in Liverpool are facing unprecedented demand.

We need system change.

I’m sick of the speculation about Ange’s future. We are fully behind him as a club, and confident we will beat City tomorrow, once again.

(Also, great to speak to the club foundation about homelessness today).

The Trapped Documentary Podcast · 9 Episodes

New podcast documentary from the exceptional @danielhewittitv.bsky.social on the shameful state of housing that people endure in 21st century Britain.

podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/t...

Oh yes. It’s gorgeous.

That seems right, and so far a blessed absence of unsolicited violent videos.

We’re on! As if by magic.