Homelessness in England Continues To Rise

The latest Government figures on statutory homelessness in England show that the number of people applying to councils for help for housing has continued to increase. The figures also show that a worrying number of homeless people continue to be turned away. The total number of applications has grown for the fifth consecutive quarter while some areas have witnessed considerable jumps in applications of over 50%. Campbell Robb, chief executive of Shelter, said: 'These figures come at the very time Government plans within the Localism Bill will weaken the rights of homeless people further, by allowing councils to push homeless families into the private rented sector. This will ultimately trap them in a constant cycle of insecurity and homelessness, with devastating outcomes for children and families. We strongly urge the Government to seriously rethink their plans.' Read more on the Shelter website.