People in UK city 'living in caves on side of cliffs' to avoid cost of living crisis
A homeless man in Bristol has shown what life is like living in a cave as he says he can't afford a home in the city and has no bank account
A YouTuber visiting Bristol discovered a homeless man "living in caves" to escape the city's soaring rents. Joe Fish journeyed to the UK's fifth-most expensive place to live, aiming to verify rumours of "cave dwellers" in the city.
He trekked to the city's "outskirts" and through dense woodland "on the side of the cliff" before finding the extraordinary answer. An anonymous cave-dweller gave Joe a tour of his surprisingly clean and orderly cave.
He explained that without a bank account, it was impossible for him to access benefits, and even high street banks offering a so-called "homeless person's account" demand proof of address from account holders. With no hope of securing a permanent residence, he has turned to the caves, arranging running water and setting up a sink for washing dishes.
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There is also a double bed and a "natural filter" drain. However, he emphasised that cave life isn't for everyone: "A lot of people come out and think it's great, it's wonderful, but it's alright until suddenly it becomes winter."
The caves are occasionally used as shelters by drinkers and drug users, necessitating regular cleaning.
"I sort of generally take care of the place," the man said. "I've already cleaned six bagfuls of cans and bottles out of there.
"There were loads of old sleeping bags that you know you wouldn't ever want to sleep in again so we got rid of all of them and and basically cleaned out all the cr*p."
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Joe, who has been documenting the UK's housing crisis through his channel, was shocked by what he found. He said: "Things have got so bad in Bristol that people have literally reverted back to the Stone Age and are now inhabiting caves ... I'm literally in shock I can't believe that things have got this bad for some people."
Bristol City Council's own website states: "It's very unlikely that you'll be offered a council property because the waiting list is very long. Even people with the greatest need often wait several years before they get a council property."
The council suggests considering private rented accommodation. However, with the paradox that homeless individuals can't access benefits until they have an address and bank account, many will continue to resort to desperate measures, even reverting to Stone Age-like conditions for shelter.
