Increase in number of families in temporary homes

The number of homeless families in temporary accommodation in
England has risen by nine per cent in the last year, according to
the latest government statistics.

Figures from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister reveal that
there were 84,800 households in accommodation arranged by local
authorities at the end of September. This was 3,630 (four per cent)
higher than the end of the previous quarter, and 6,860 more than at
the end of September 2001.

The total number of households in bed and breakfast hotels has
also increased by seven per cent over three months to 13,300 at the
end of September 2002.

Meanwhile, homelessness charity Shelter has warned that the
government’s community plan must target affordable homes at
those that need them the most. Deputy prime minister John Prescott
is expected to announce his vision for creating sustainable
communities in January.

Ben Jackson, Shelter’s director of external affairs, said:
“Unless we build homes we so desperately need, thousands more
people will endure the misery of homelessness.”