Latest figures from DCLG show that there were
79,190 households living in temporary accommodation at 30 September
2017 - up 6% from the figure of 74,750 at 30 September 2016 and up
by a massive 65% on the 48,010 living in temporary accommodation on
31 December 2010.
Of the 79,190 households in temporary accommodation on 30
September 2017, 61,090 included dependent children and/or a
pregnant woman within which there were 121,360 children or expected
children.
Between 1 July and 30 September 2017 councils accepted 15,290
households as being Statutorily Homeless - up 6% on the previous
quarter and up 2% from the same quarter in the previous year.
Councils took action to prevent and relieve homelessness for
52,190 households between in the quarter ending 30 September
2017.
The latest figures come as the government's approach to
homelessness was branded "unacceptably complacent" by the Public
Accounts Committee (PAC) in a highly critical report published on 20
December 2017.
The PAC said the extent of homelessness across England was a
national crisis and called on the government to publish a
cross-department strategy to reduce homelessness that sets out
clear targets by June next year.
The cross-party committee of MPs said the Department for
Communities and Local Government's (DCLG) "limited action" has
"lacked the urgency that is so badly needed and its 'light touch'
approach to working with the local authorities has clearly
failed".
The PAC said the DCLG is placing "great reliance" on the
Homelessness Reduction Act, which comes into force in April next
year, to provide the solution to homelessness and while this
legislation "will no doubt help", it cannot be successful unless
the government also increases housing supply and makes homes more
affordable.
However the Communities & Local Government Select Committee
have asked the Government for more information on
how it has estimated the costs and savings it expects to arise from
implementation of the Homelessness Reduction Act.