'Appalling figures' are latest evidence of worsening homelessness crisis

London Councils has responded to a new report from Shelter on the experiences of homeless families in temporary accommodation.

Homelessness pressures are especially severe in the capital. London accounts for almost two-thirds of England’s total temporary accommodation figures and boroughs in the capital collectively spend £52m each month on temporary accommodation.  

Cllr Darren Rodwell, London Councils’ Executive Member for Regeneration, Housing & Planning, said:

“These appalling figures are the latest evidence of the worsening homelessness crisis, which is hitting London particularly hard.

“Boroughs do everything they can to help homeless families, but the fundamental problem is the chronic shortage of affordable housing.

“The government must use next week’s Budget to boost support for struggling households and to help councils deliver the affordable homes our communities are crying out for.”

London Councils is seeking a range of housing policy changes at a national level, including:

  • Better use of the welfare system to help lower-income households meet their housing costs, such as through raising the Local Housing Allowance so that it covers at least 30% of local market rates.  
  • Increased investment in the Affordable Homes Programme.
  • Complete flexibility over local use of Right to Buy sales receipts, so that every penny raised from council house sales can be reinvested in building a replacement

 

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