The number of children without a home in Britain is at the highest it has been in 12 years, a homelessness charity has revealed.
New research by Shelter has found that 135,000 children in Britain are homeless and living in temporary accommodation.
The charity’s Generation Homeless report has also revealed that a child loses their home every eight minutes – the equivalent of 183 children per day.
Shelter argues that the homelessness crisis is the result of a ‘severe’ lack of social homes, expensive private rents and welfare cuts.
They also warn that if nothing changes 1,647 children will be made homeless between now and the time of the General Election on December 12 and 4,026 by Christmas day.
Polly Neate, chief executive of Shelter, commented: ‘The fact 183 children become homeless every day is a scandalous figure and sharp reminder that political promises about tackling homelessness must be turned into real action.
‘Day in, day out we see the devastating impact the housing emergency is having on children across the country. They are being uprooted from friends; living in cold, cramped B&Bs and going to bed at night scared by the sound of strangers outside.
‘Every child has the right to a safe home and if we act now, we can help get them to a better place. So, every donation will mean Shelter can be there for the children and families who need us this Christmas.’
