The temporary accommodation crisis in England continues to worsen, according to the latest official figures, with the number of homeless households up more than 12% since last year.

The latest statutory homelessness statistics show:

  • 117,450 households were living in temporary accommodation on 31 March 2024, an increase of 12.3% since last year, and up 4.3% since last quarter.
  • A total of 151,630 dependent children were living in temporary accommodation on 31 March 2024.

Commenting on the figures, Peter Matejic, Chief Analyst at the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, said:”These statistics show how important it is that the government fulfils its manifesto promise for a cross-government strategy to end homelessness.

“Not having a safe and secure home is really damaging to people’s health and wellbeing, limiting their options and opportunities. Rising homelessness also impacts our public services.

“Teachers and GPs across the country are spending more of their time and resources dealing with the consequences of high levels of hardship, including more children living in unsuitable temporary accommodation.

“Families at the sharpest end of this national crisis need to see action now. We must get back on track to ending homelessness so that everyone can have a solid foundation on which to build their lives.”

Rick Henderson, CEO at Homeless Link, the membership body for homelessness services, added: “Everyone needs a safe place to live. But, whether it’s rough sleeping, temporary accommodation or sofa surfing, England faces a homelessness epidemic. People’s lives are being blighted by insecurity while the costs mean councils across the country are facing bankruptcy. Clearly this must change.

“We welcome the new government’s mission to break down barriers to opportunity and recognition of the importance of a safe and stable home through building new social housing. But we urgently need to see action to better support the people trapped in homelessness right now.

“Therefore, I urge the government to prioritise swift action on this and the cross-government approach to homelessness to build a society with a home for everyone.”