Another rise in households living in temporary accommodation underlines desperate need to tackle housing crisis

The number of children in temporary accommodation has increased by 36% since 2010.

Between 1 April and 30 June 2015, 27,550 households approached their council for help with homelessness. The single biggest cause of homelessness is tenancies in the private rented sector coming to an end, accounting for 30% of all cases.

Commenting, Jacqui McCluskey, Director of Policy and Communications for Homeless Link, said:

“It is extremely concerning to see so many households living in temporary accommodation, especially those containing children. This accommodation is often unsuitable for families and the living conditions can be damaging to people’s well-being.

“Too many people are losing their homes and councils are clearly struggling to support those in housing need. Without urgent action to help prevent people becoming homeless and increasing access to affordable accommodation there is little chance of this situation improving.

“Today’s figures indicate that affordable and stable accommodation remains out of reach for an alarmingly high number of people. We strongly urge the Government to take urgent action to ensure that the housing market does not shut out the poorest and most vulnerable in our society.”

The figures show:

• There were 27,550 applications to councils for help with homelessness in Q2 2015

• 13,850 of these were accepted, an increase of 5% on the Q2 2014

• Homelessness due to the ending of an assured shorthold tenancy accounted for 30% of acceptances

• At the end of June 2015 there were 66,980 households in temporary accommodation, up 12% on same time last year

• The number of households in temporary accommodation has increased by 33% since Q2 2010 (50,400)