New Government statistics released today have revealed that over 95,000 people were in temporary accommodation across England at the end of last year.

This reflects the work of local authorities to continue to accommodate people sleeping rough during the pandemic. During this time, the government also provided a number of policy measures to protect people at risk of homelessness including protection for renters from eviction and investment in housing benefit.

The statistics also show that from October-December last year there were:

• 95,370 people in temporary accommodation, an 8% increase since the same period last year and specifically a 40% increase in people living in B&Bs
• 7,840 people who were at risk or became homeless from the private rented sector this quarter, a 40% decrease from the same time last year
• 1,920 people were at risk of becoming homeless as a result of receiving a Section 21 eviction notice, a 49% decrease from the same time last year

Commenting on these statistics, Jon Sparkes, chief executive of Crisis, said: “If the past year has shown us anything, it’s just how important a safe and secure home is for us all. There is no doubt that the government providing emergency accommodation and measures to protect renters last year ensured many people were not forced into homelessness in the midst of the pandemic.

“These measures are only temporary though and for thousands of people 2021 started with an eviction notice looming over them or the constant uncertainty about how many more months they will have to call a single room in a B&B their home. As the economic impact of the pandemic continues to be felt, we risk seeing thousands more people in situations like this, being pushed into homelessness and needing support to keep a roof over their heads.

“As lockdown eases and the emergency measures are withdrawn, we urgently need the Westminster Government to set out a long-term national strategy that will tackle rough sleeping and homelessness for good. This must include ​a financial package for renters in arrears, a national rollout of Housing First and providing enough genuinely affordable homes so that people are not left stuck in temporary accommodation with no end in sight. We must seize this opportunity to build back better in our communities - a truly impactful and lasting post-pandemic recovery has to mean a secure, affordable home for all.”

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