Ellie Ames 29 September 2023

One in 20 children sleeping on the floor, survey finds

One in 20 children sleeping on the floor, survey finds image
Image: Joaquin Corbalan P / Shutterstock.com

More than a million British children may be sleeping on the floor or having to share beds, a children’s charity has found.

Barnardo’s said the stark issue of ‘bed poverty’ illustrated the worrying impact of the cost-of-living crisis on children and families.

The survey by YouGov found that over the past year, more than one in 20 children were sleeping on the floor and around one in 10 were sharing a bed with a family member because they did not have one of their own.

Based on the survey, Barnardo’s estimated that there could be as many as 440,000 children sleeping on the floor and 700,000 sharing beds across Britain.

Its staff reported ‘countless examples’ of families using bedding that did not provide enough warmth in freezing temperatures, or that was dirty, mouldy or soiled, and of parents being unable to afford replacing or repairing broken beds and mattresses.

Barnardo’s CEO Lynn Perry said it was ‘unacceptable’ that in one of the richest countries in the world, at least at least one child in every classroom is sleeping in the floor.

Ms Perry said: ‘Families in crisis are having to prioritise essentials such as food, heating and electricity over things like replacing mouldy bedding or fixing a rotten or broken bed.

‘Children are sharing beds and sleeping on the floor, all of which is affecting their development, attendance at school and their mental health.

'The Government must take urgent action to address these deep-rooted issues.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Standards, Compliance and Development Manager - Children’s residential provisions

Oxfordshire County Council
£57187.00 - £60485.00
This role will lead on Quality Assurance, Standards development, and Regulatory compliance for Oxfordshire’s residential children’s provision, including the unregulated reforms 2022. The post holder will conduct internal inspections within the registe Countywide
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Streetcare LGV Driver / Operative - WMF2112e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£27,711 - £28,624
Westmorland and Furness Council are seeking to employ an enthusiastic and motivated person into a Street Cleansing role Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Specialist Communication Support Worker (CDC)

City Of Doncaster Council
Grade 7, £27,259 - £29,955 (pay award pending)
The City of Doncaster Council puts improving the life of its residents at the centre of everything we do. Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recuriter: City Of Doncaster Council

Apprentice Social Value

Durham County Council
£14,566
Earn. Learn. Qualify.   Do you want to earn while you learn, with the chance of progression once you qualify? Do you want the opportunity to grow, dev Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Pay Reward and Employment Services Support Officers

Durham County Council
£25,584 to £27,711 p.a. (Grade 5) Pay Award Pending
An exciting opportunity has arisen for ten Pay, Reward & Employment Services Support Officers to join our CIPP accredited team.   WHAT IS INVOLVED?  Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner