Homelessness on the increase, figures confirm

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A recent report by Homeless Link reveals that at the end of September 2015 there were 68,560 households living in temporary accommodation, a 13% increase on the same time the previous year. Over three-quarters of these households, 53,480 in total, contained children and/or a pregnant woman.

The number of households living in bed and breakfast accommodation has increased by a quarter on the same time in 2014. For households with children the increase is even greater, at 46%.

Between the 1st of July and 30th September 2015, 14,670 households were accepted as homeless by councils, up 4% compared to the same period in 2014. The single biggest cause of homelessness is tenancies in the private rented sector coming to an end, accounting for a third of all cases.

Rick Henderson, Chief Executive of Homeless Link, said: “It is alarming to see yet another increase in the number of homeless households in England. Too many people are losing their homes and councils are clearly struggling to support those in housing need.

“The significant increase in households being placed in temporary accommodation, particularly families with children, should send a clear signal to the Government that the housing market is broken and out of reach for those in greatest need.

The figures show:

  • There were 29,050 applications to councils for help with homelessness in Q3 2015
  • 14,670 of these were accepted, an increase of 4% on the Q3 2014
  • Homelessness due to the ending of an assured short-hold tenancy accounted for 31% of acceptances
  • At the end of September 2015 there were 68,560 households in temporary accommodation, up 13% on same time last year
  • At 30th of September 2015, there were 3,000 families with children living in bed and breakfast accommodation.

Mr. Henderson commented: “Access to genuinely affordable accommodation is one of the main routes out of homelessness, yet this remains out of reach for many. The Government has a real opportunity to prevent further increases in homelessness, but only through the commitment and investment needed to ensure there is a sufficient supply of housing that is within the means of all people.