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Homelessness in England has fallen by almost a quarter over the past year, according to the latest government figures.

There were 24,800 households accepted as homeless by local authorities from July to September, 23 per cent down on the same period last year and 10 per cent down on the previous quarter.

Homelessness acceptances have been falling since the beginning of 2004 and the government says the latest figure is the lowest third-quarter count since 1985.

However, housing charity Shelter said the number of people in temporary accommodation had risen slightly to 101,020.

Housing minister Yvette Cooper also announced an extra 88m this week for local authorities to tackle homelessness.