The government has released the latest quarterly figures today on what we know about the numbers in temporary accommodation. Again, this is a depressing and record breaking read.
By the end of June 2024, there were 123,100 households, including 159,380 childrenin various forms of TA, the majority of which will be inadequate. That is an increase of 5,650 households, and 7,750 children, in the last quarter alone.
More than 31.0% were in accommodation in a different local authority area. That is nearly 39,000 households away from schools, family and support structures.
15% of all the households in TA, 18,380, were living in B&B accommodation. This is up 30.5% from last year. Of these, 3,770 households with dependent children had been resident for more than the statutory limit of 6 weeks. This number is up 16.4% from the previous quarter.
Behind each of these numbers is a story of an adult or a child, most likely stuck in unsuitable conditions that are damaging their health and chances of moving on with their lives. This is a national scandal. But with considered action, collaboration and the right policies, this can be reversed.
You can read our suggestions for some immediate changes that would begin to address this desperate situation here.
