Of these, 137 live in temporary accommodation – organised by social services, the council or themselves – including 77 children. Meanwhile, five of the total homeless population are sleeping rough. It said the "housing emergency is out of control", and called on the Government to take the issue seriously. Ms Neate blamed the housing emergency on "chronic underinvestment" in social homes, with people unable to afford rising rents. "Through our Rough Sleeping Strategy, we will continue to work to end rough sleeping completely," the spokesman added.

Source: The Times December 23, 2023 16:15 UTC