Prince William backs bold plan to tackle youth homelessness in south London

Homewards has committed to launching IHPs across each of its six flagship locations. Lambeth is the third to be announced, following Aberdeen and Sheffield. The programme was also involved in designing the Duchy of Cornwall’s first housing project to address homelessness in Nansledan, which is already under construction.

The IHPs aim to explore new ways of making more homes available at scale for those facing homelessness. With planning approval now granted by Lambeth Council’s planning applications committee, work on the Lambeth site can begin shortly.

Located at 60 Sancroft Street, the project will transform a Duchy of Cornwall-owned property into 16 independent living flats for local people aged 18 to 25. These affordable homes will serve as a stepping stone between supported accommodation and the private rental sector. Centrepoint will manage the properties as part of its broader Independent Living Programme aimed at breaking the cycle of homelessness.

Some of the homes will be reserved for young people who are already employed, while others will be for those moving towards employment – testing a model that links housing directly to job access. Homewards will help residents identify work opportunities that can support long-term tenancies.

Sam Kirkness, Executive Director for Development at the Duchy of Cornwall, said: “We are delighted to be reinvesting in Kennington and working with Homewards and Centrepoint on this innovative housing project, reflecting a shared vision to end homelessness in Lambeth, London and beyond.

"60 Sancroft Street has been developed in response to the urgent need for supported housing in the area. With the Duchy’s focus on delivering positive impact for people, places and the planet, we’re delighted to have received planning consent and look forward to working closely with our partners and the local community to deliver this important new community.”

Seyi Obakin OBE, Chief Executive of Centrepoint, said: “Centrepoint is committed to ending youth homelessness in the UK and we know that can only be achieved through collaborative effort. We are pleased to work in partnership with Homewards, the Duchy of Cornwall, and Lambeth Council to demonstrate that eradicating youth homelessness is achievable.

"By linking rent to individual income levels, this Innovative Housing Project offers more than shelter – it offers young people the stepping stone they need to pursue their careers, build financial resilience, and transition out of homelessness for good. Through this project, we will demonstrate the effectiveness of this housing model and, hopefully, inspire similar solutions across the country.”

In September 2024, the average monthly private rent in Lambeth was £2,229 – a 7.8 per cent rise on the previous year. High rents and an ongoing shortage of social housing have left more than 4,000 households in temporary accommodation in the borough.

The Lambeth IHP aims to respond directly to the difficulty young people face in finding work while living in supported or unstable housing. By providing a secure base, the scheme is designed to help residents move into and sustain employment. The homes are expected to be completed and ready for occupation by the end of next year.

Geeta Nanda OBE, Homewards National Expert Panellist, said: “With such high levels of youth homelessness in Lambeth, this project offers those at risk of, or experiencing homelessness, the chance they need to thrive.

"A home provides stability to work, and receiving support is so vital in ensuring people can continue on a secure journey.

"The partnership between Homewards, Centrepoint and the Duchy of Cornwall, with support from Lambeth Council, shows the power of collaboration from across the public, private and voluntary sectors in action.

"By working together, we can demonstrate it’s possible to end homelessness in our communities.”

Cllr Danny Adilypour, Deputy Leader of Lambeth Council and Cabinet Member for Housing, Investment and New Homes, said: “In Lambeth the housing crisis is hitting hard and we are focused on fully playing our role in building the new social housing we need and working in partnership with others to find solutions to the issues.

"So, I am really pleased Lambeth Council has supported the planning application for this project brought forward by The Royal Foundation’s Homewards programme.

"It will make a real difference in the lives of young people experiencing both housing insecurity and an insecure future, plotting a supported route for them into housing and employment at a time in their lives when they need it the most.”

Homewards aims to show that it is possible to end homelessness – making it rare, brief, and unrepeated. The Lambeth IHP reflects that ambition, creating a sustainable and scalable model that can be used to prevent homelessness across the country.