Homelessness: ‘It's About To Get Worse'

The gloomy economic forecast from the chancellor last week has been capped by even more depressing news on homelessness numbers. The latest government figures on statutory homelessness in England show that 29,060 applications were made to councils for help with homelessness between October and December 2012 – a 6% increase on the same period in 2011.

If the government's economic forecast holds, the continued rise in homelessness shows is unlikely to stop anytime soon. If this wasn't worrying enough, the signs are that local councils are struggling to house the four in 10 cases they accept to help.  The use of Bed and Breakfasts has risen by more than a quarter. If this was not bad enough, the number of councils placing households in other council areas has risen by 32%. Read more on the Guardian website.