More than 23,000 children are now living in temporary accommodation across England's county areas, according to new analysis from the County Councils Network (CCN), which warns that rural homelessness is becoming a ‘deepening crisis.’
The figures show a record 23,186 children in county and rural areas were living in bed and breakfasts, hostels and private accommodation in March this year, marking a 74% rise since 2020 – almost double the national increase.
Households in temporary accommodation have climbed by nearly 80% over six years, with associated council spending trebling to £373m in 2024/25, according to CCN’s findings.
Rough sleeping has also hit record levels in county areas, accounting for over a third of England's total.
Last week, Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced a £442m package to tackle rough sleeping and to help local authorities provide rough sleepers with a route off the streets by Christmas.
The CCN is calling on ministers to ensure homelessness and temporary accommodation funding reflects rising demand and the specific challenges in county areas.
Comment
Cllr Andrew Husband, Housing and Planning spokesperson for CCN, said: ‘If the Government is serious about ending homelessness the thousands of people housed in temporary accommodation, they must recognise this is no longer just a city problem. Rural England needs the same attention, investment and, ultimately, a long-term solution.’
