Paula Barker responds to news that households in England living in temporary accommodation has topped 100,000

Paula Barker MP, Labour’s Shadow Minster for Homelessness, responding to the news that households in England living in temporary accommodation has topped 100,000, said:

“This is a moment of shame for this Conservative Government. They have presided over the number of households in temporary accommodation doubling since they came to power in 2010.

“The number of households with children in bed and breakfast accommodation longer than the statutory maximum of six weeks is at its highest in decades. The Tories should follow the example set by the last Labour Government in eradicating the instances of children living in bed and breakfast accommodation longer than six weeks.

“Whilst the Prime Minister caves to his backbenches on housebuilding targets, the next Labour Government will build the homes our communities need.”

Ends

Notes:

• Total number of households in temporary accommodation has now hit the 100,000 mark (101,300) (Q4 2022)
• This is double the number than when they entered office (50,400) (Q2 2010)
• Of the 101,300 households in temporary accommodation, 56,910 are households with dependent children.
• 1630 households with children in B&B accommodation longer than the 6 week statutory maximum – the highest since Q3 2003.
• The last Labour Government had reduced this number to 30 from 1590 between Q3 2003 – Q2 2004.
• Link: Tables on homelessness - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) (all found on the live table)