Cold Comfort for Homeless Families

New homelessness statistics show that, while the overall number of households accepted as homeless has slightly dropped again this quarter, the number in B&B has increased to an 11 year high. The number of households placed in temporary accommodation in another council area is at the highest level since records began in 1998.  And a quarter of temporary accommodation is now out of area. So why is this happening?  The answer lies in another aspect of the statistics:  loss of a private sector assured shorthold tenancy is now the cause of a third of all homelessness acceptances.  Private renting is now the only hope for many families in need of a home.  But rents remain shockingly high while wages are failing to keep pace.  For those having to turn to welfare payments to bridge the gap, the limits on Local Housing Allowance mean that fewer landlords are willing to let to claimants.  Read more on the Shelter website.