South East sees a 29% increase in families in Christmas temporary accomodation

Lynne Featherstone MP has uncovered figures showing a staggering rise of 55% increase of families spending Christmas in temporary accommodation. In the South East, there has been a 29% rise in families in temporary accomodation in the last 5 years.

Nationally, the picture is even worse - the number of homeless families in temporary accommodation in England has grown from 65,170 in 2000 to 101,070 in 2005. An increase of 55%.

Ms Featherstone said:

"These figures are shocking. A growing number of Britons are going to have to spend Christmas day in temporary accommodation. The Government have failed to get to grips with the problem of homelessness.

"There is no such thing as a typical homeless family. For some the root cause of homelessness may be traced back to a loss of a job, the death of a loved one, the break-up of a long-term relationship.

"The Government has turned a blind eye to the plight of homeless families. More than 100,000 families will be spending this Christmas in temporary accommodation."