One homeless person in Newcastle costs the public sector £12,000 a year

One homeless person in Newcastle costs the public sector £12,000 a year.

That's according to a report from the Think Tank, Policy North.

They estimate that that cost will rise to £20,000 if their situation is not resolved.

The Think Tank has warned that “more must be done to target hard earned funds towards those most in need.”

The report highlights research from Crisis which shows the majority of the region’s homeless are:

• Of working age

• Over one third having a criminal record.

• One fifth were in local authority care as children

The report was written by Bob Eldridge, Chairman of Newcastle’s homeless service, The Peoples Kitchen.

Mr Eldridge said:

The report highlights that nearly fifty per cent of the region’s homeless are suffering from a combination of poor mental and physical health, resulting in emotional ill-being, combined with substance abuse.

In his report Mr Eldridge concludes:

“It would appear that Newcastle’s track record is substantially better than that of many cities across the UK, but more could be done to target hard earned funds towards the most needed areas, delivered by those who are most skilled and equipped.”

What is The People's Kitchen?

The People’s Kitchen was founded by Alison Kay 1985, spurred on by an article in the Evening Chronicle about the death of a homeless man.

Within a year, Alison had 40 helpers and they inaugurated the first People’s Kitchen next to the railway arches by Dean Street offering food, clothes, a warm fire and welcome to anyone who came in peace.

Alison Kay died in 2001 aged 91.