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Homelessness up 65% since 2010

Numbers of households living in temporary accommodation in England have reached their highest level for 10 years.

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Homelessness has soared 65% since 2010 (picture: Getty)
Homelessness has soared 65% since 2010 (picture: Getty)
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Homelessness up 65% since 2010 #ukhousing

Highest number of households in temporary accommodation since 2010 #ukhousing

Government releases homelessness stats for July to September #ukhousing

Official statistics released today show that 79,190 households were in temporary accommodation on 30 September 2017, including 121,360 homeless children.

That is a 6% rise in the number of households in temporary accommodation from the same date in 2016, and the highest level since 31 December 2007 – before the economic crash.

It also indicates homelessness has risen 65% since the low of 48,010 at the end of 2010.

Of those in temporary accommodation, 11,800 households had shared facilities, with 6,400 in B&Bs including 2,660 families with children.


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“It is quite simply a national outrage that so many people are homeless in England in 2017. We must act now,” said Terrie Alafat, chief executive of the Chartered Institute of Housing.

“And the real picture is likely to be much worse – for everyone who goes to their council for help there are likely to be many more ‘hidden homeless’ people sofa-surfing and sleeping on public transport, for example.”

Between 1 July and 30 September, councils accepted 15,290 households as statutorily homeless, up 6% from 14,390 in the previous quarter and an increase of 2% from 14,930 in the same quarter last year.

Councils prevented homelessness for 52,190 during that period – down slightly from 52,880 in the same quarter in 2016.

From April, local authorities will have added responsibilities to help people facing homelessness under the Homelessness Reduction Act.

“It’s clear the current situation is unsustainable for councils, and disruptive for families,” said Martin Tett, housing spokesperson for the Local Government Association and leader of Buckinghamshire County Council.

“The government can help councils tackle homelessness, by adapting welfare reforms to ensure housing remains affordable for low-income families and allowing all councils across the country to borrow to build new homes as part of the upcoming Local Government Finance Settlement.”

Almost seven in 10 households in temporary accommodation (69%) were in London.

Steve Bullock, mayor of Lewisham and executive member for housing at London Councils, said: “The Homelessness Reduction Act will transform homelessness prevention and relief services for the better and London boroughs are committed to helping more people at an earlier stage to prevent and address homelessness.

“However, we fear that inadequate funding for the Homelessness Reduction Act in London, as well as the unrealistic timescale for making changes to existing services, risks leaving thousands of vulnerable people without support.”

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