A staggering 150,000 children in England are currently living in temporary housing, marking the highest number since 2004.
“National Scandal” With Homelessness Rise
The Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner, has deemed this situation, which is on the rise, a “national scandal.”
Housing Overhaul in the Pipeline
Rayner has planned the housing overhaul with a proposed 1,5 million house target in five years.
New Figures Released by MHCLG
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Governments (MHCLG) released new figures stating that 151,630 children were living in temporary homelessness at the end of March 2023.
Amnesty International in Disbelief
Amnesty International has since commented on the newly released figures, calling it “astounding.”
Children Crisis on the Rise
Families with children in temporary accommodation increased by 14,7% in one year to 74,530.
Increase of 15% in a Year
There has been a 15% increase compared to the figures reflected in March 2023 and July 2024.
Temporary Accommodation Acts as a Lifeline
Local authorities have placed many families with children into temporary accommodations like bed and breakfasts and hotels.
Temporary House for Six Week Limit
These accommodation sources should only be used to house households in an emergency for six weeks.
Shocking Comparison Reveals Truth
Dave Robinson, the assistant director of operations at housing provider Riverside, has compared the number of children living in temporary housing to the populations of some major UK towns.
More Homeless Than Town Occupants
He said, “The latest increase means we now have more homeless children living in temporary accommodation (151, 630) in England than we have people living in towns and cities such as Ipswich (151,565), Blackpool (149,070) and York (141,685).”
Different Types of Homelessness Experienced
The housing crisis has left many in a different situation than living on the streets. The temporary accommodation is a different form of homelessness.
Stability Needed for Children
Polly Neate, the chief executive of housing charity Shelter, stated that children cannot put down the necessary roots and are “spending months if not years living out of suitcases.”
Dire Need for Affordable Homes
Neate has urged the government to act quickly, saying that it needs to “invest in genuinely affordable homes.”
Local Councils Face Financial Strain
Local councils are facing financial strain as they will have to fund homelessness while also providing funds for other essential services.
Legal Ties for Councils
Councils are legally bound to provide interim housing to homeless individuals while they assist them in finding permanent accommodation.
Funding From Government Is Not Enough
The local authorities get some government funding for housing, but they need help and are taking funds from other areas, resulting in debt.
Councils Pay “Hefty Price for Years of Inaction”
Matt Downie, chief executive at the charity Crisis, has said, “Our housing and homelessness system are broken, and councils are paying a hefty price for years of inaction.”
Resources and Power Needed to Overcome the Housing Shortage
The Local Government Association (LGA), which represents the councils, has said that local authorities must have the power and the resources to overcome the housing shortage.
Homelessness at the Highest Level
Rayner said, “we are facing the most acute housing crisis in living memory and homelessness remains at record level.”
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