Homelessness Soars 25% in Just 3 Years

The government's failure to tackle homelessness was thrust into the spotlight after shocking figures revealed that thousands more vulnerable people in England are in need of emergency accommodation.  Around 50,290 families and individuals were classed as homeless in 2011/12, compared with 40,020 three years ago, according to data experts SSentif.  The huge 25 per cent increase comes as the government coughs up less on tackling homelessness with spending dropping from £213.7 million to £199.8m over the last three years. Regionally, the highest percentage increase was in the east of England, with the number of cases rising from 3,660 in 2009/10 to 5,270 in 2011/12 - a huge 44 per cent increase.  Read more on the Morning Star website.