- 169,000 children and 131,000 households are living in
temporary accommodation, the highest on record, the latest official figures
show.
- 2023/24 saw the highest number of households assessed as owed
a homelessness duty at 358,370. Latest figures for Q1 2025 show
these numbers remain at elevated highs.
- The ending of private rented tenancies are an increasingly
relevant reason that households are presenting as requiring a
prevention relief, with 40% of households presenting for this
reason, up from 30% pre-pandemic.
Joseph Elliott, Lead Analyst at JRF, says:
"New official statistics reveal a worsening housing crisis across
England, with the highest number of children on record living in
temporary accommodation. This is more than double the number of
children compared to when Labour were last in office.
"Tackling this unacceptable trend must be a core priority for the
Labour Government. The forthcoming housing, homelessness and
child poverty strategies must work together to tackle the root
causes of the housing crisis. This means addressing both the
unaffordability and insecurity that drive homelessness.
"Positive steps have already been taken, including the Renters'
Rights Bill — which will protect renters from eviction — as well
as additional funding for social housing.
"Ending the tragedy of children living in hotels and B&Bs
will require more decisive action to make private renting
affordable. Ending no-fault evictions is only part of the story —
escalating rents and frozen housing benefits are locking families
out of homes altogether.
