Homelessness falls to lowest point in 20 years

Homelessness has fallen to its lowest level since 1985, according to official figures released today.

Just over 100,000 households were accepted as homeless by their local authority in 2005, 28 per cent lower than the previous year.

The number of households in temporary accommodation also fell in the last three months of 2005, from 101,000 in September to 99,000 in December.

Shelter director Adam Sampson applauded the fall in homelessness but pointed out that the number of households in temporary accommodation was still double its 1997 level.