Mark Whitehead 19 April 2023

‘Broken’ housing system forcing 310,000 children to share beds

‘Broken’ housing system forcing 310,000 children to share beds  image
Image: I Wei Huang / Shutterstock.com.

More than 310,000 children in England are forced to share beds with other family members because of overcrowding, according to housing campaigners.

The National Housing Federation says its research shows that one in every six children are being forced to live in cramped conditions with no personal space.

It says the housing system in England is ‘broken’ because of underfunding by successive governments, and is calling for an ‘urgent, long term, national plan’ to increase the number of affordable and social homes.

The federation says the findings demonstrate ‘grave structural inequalities in our society’, with families from ethnic minority backgrounds three times more likely to be affected by overcrowding than white households.

In just under half (41%) of overcrowded homes, children or teenagers are sharing a bedroom with their parents.

Kate Henderson, the federation’s chief executive, said: ‘Overcrowding is a direct result of our broken housing system, caused by underfunding by successive governments and a failure to prioritise building new homes for people on low incomes.

‘As a country, we are failing these families and these children and this must stop.

‘We need an urgent, long term, national plan aimed at drastically increasing the number of affordable and social homes across England.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior Project Manager (Regeneration)

West Yorkshire Combined Authority
£49,359 to £56,057 per annum (pay award pending) – Grade 9
With ambitious goals ahead, we need dedicated individuals who are ready to make a real impact as part of our expanding Housing team Leeds / Hybrid
Recuriter: West Yorkshire Combined Authority

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerPermanent, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerFixed Term, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

HR Advisor - Pay & Policy (Career Grade)

Wakefield Council
Grade 9 - Grade 10, Career Grade, 24 hours, Permanent
Are you ready to make a difference and shape policies that foster a high performing and inclusive workplace? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Leisure Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£12,013.50 - £12,202.00, Grade 3, 18.5 hours, Permanent
Are You Ready to Make a Difference in Your Community? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner