Laura Sharman 14 December 2020

Nearly 90,000 children set to spend Christmas in temporary housing, warns London Councils

Nearly 90,000 children in the capital will spend Christmas in temporary accommodation organised by their local council, new figures have warned today.

London Councils said boroughs face the highest temporary accommodation figures for 15 years, with 89,850 children not having a permanent home.

The figures also show there are over 700 rough sleepers on London’s streets, and boroughs are providing emergency accommodation for 2,500 people.

London Councils is calling on the Government to improve the welfare system’s ability to prevent homelessness, long-term funding for sustaining local homelessness services, and boost councils’ resources for building social housing.

Cllr Darren Rodwell, London Councils’ executive member for housing & planning, said: ‘As well as skyrocketing temporary accommodation figures, councils face the nightmare scenario of extreme pressures on rough sleeper services that need to cope both with COVID-19 and cold weather snaps. And this is all taking place against a backdrop of horrendous budget constraints.

’Boroughs are doing all we can to support homeless Londoners this winter but if there’s be any hope of the government reaching its targets on reducing homelessness we need ministers to rethink their welfare policies, boost funding for frontline services, and prioritise building more affordable homes.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Climate Change Project Manager - Braintree District Council

Essex County Council
Up to £45498.0000 per annum
Essex County Council (ECC) are delighted to be supporting Braintree Council to recruit this Climate Change Project Manager. To apply for this role please click here
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Occupational Therapist in Housing

Essex County Council
£37185 - £50081 per annum + Flexible Working, Hybrid
This opportunity is available as a 24 month fixed term contract or secondment opportunity.We're an adult social care service that wants to see citize England, Essex, Chelmsford
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Social Worker

North Yorkshire Council
£38,220 - £42,839 per annum, pro rata
In our Family Assessment and Support Team, you will work with a range of children and their families, carers and networks. Richmond, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Relief Children's Residential Edge of Care Worker

North Yorkshire Council
£16.35 - £17.85
Here in North Yorkshire, we have several services that support and empower children. Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Chief Executive

Leicestershire County Council
Up to £234,171
This is a rare opportunity to lead a council with both strength and ambition at a time of change. Leicestershire
Recuriter: Leicestershire County Council
Linkedin Banner