Shelter analysis of government released quarterly homelesness figures

sadiq khan homelessness figures rising

Shelter analysis of government released quarterly homelessness figures headlined ‘Highest number of older people homeless in a decade’.

New government figures on homelessness show:

·         In the last year, 2,520 people aged 60 and over were accepted as homeless – a staggering rise of 40% in the last five years, and the highest number for over a decade.

 

·         There are 38,390 single parent families who are homeless and living in temporary accommodation – a rise of 54% in the last five years.

 

·         Single parent families account for 63% of all homeless families living in temporary accommodation, despite making up just 23% of all families in England – showing they are disproportionately affected by homelessness.

 

Polly Neate, CEO of Shelter, said: “It’s clear that our country is in the firm grip of a housing crisis as these figures starkly show, with older people and single parents both bearing the brunt.

“Something as simple as a family breakdown can push older people from a shared family home into private renting, yet huge rents and unforgiving welfare cuts mean they lose their homes.

“If we want to protect more people from the ravages of homelessness, the government must come up with a bold new plan for social housing and in the short term, ensure housing benefit covers the actual cost of rents.”

Source of information from Shelter.

Allen Walkey

Highly experienced businessman with a successful career in property sales and investment both in the UK and abroad. Now a freelance writer and blogger for the property and Investment Industry, keeping readers up-to-date with changes and events in a rapidly changing world.

You May Also Enjoy

Breaking News

35% of UK homes are in postcode areas where house prices are falling

House price falls spread to a third of homes as sellers face growing competition for buyers More than a third (35 per cent) of UK homes are in postcode areas where house prices are falling, up from 12 per cent a year ago Price falls are concentrated in London and the South East where 85…
Read More →
Estate Agent Talk

Budget wishlist

Kevin Shaw, National Sales Managing Director at LRG With the Budget just days away, the property market is in a slightly better place than it was this time last year. Stamp Duty has been ruled out of this year’s changes, which removes the kind of speculation that held buyers and sellers back last autumn. The…
Read More →
Estate Agent Talk

Autumn Budget 2026: Property industry experts comment

Ahead of Wednesday’s Autumn Budget, property industry experts from across the residential sales, lettings, land and property development, mortgage finance and client money protection sectors have shared their predictions, priorities and warnings for the Chancellor. With speculation surrounding property taxation, first-time buyer support, landlord investment, inheritance tax and housebuilding, industry leaders outline what Wednesday’s announcements…
Read More →
Adding second coat of varnish floor boards
Estate Agent Talk

5 Renovations That Can Transform a Property Before It Goes on the Market

Ask a vendor what they plan to fix before listing and the answer is often too ambitious. A loft conversion won’t be finished in time, and it rarely pays back on a quick sale. The changes that actually move a listing are smaller and cheaper, and they show up in the photos. Here are five…
Read More →
Breaking News

Seven things to do if a tree damages your property

Storm Austen and Storm Boelo are bringing strong winds and heavy rain across the UK this weekend, meaning homeowners could find themselves dealing with fallen trees, damaged roofs, crushed cars and difficult conversations with neighbours about who should pay. But what should you do if a neighbour’s tree comes crashing through your roof? Will your…
Read More →
Rightmove logo
Breaking News

Leasing demand rises across all sectors

Leasing demand rises across all sectors as investment enquiries remain subdued Leasing enquiries rose across all four main commercial property sectors in the third quarter of 2026, while investment enquiries fell in three, according to Rightmove’s latest Commercial Insights Tracker. The figures point to improving occupier interest alongside a more cautious investment market. Industrial property…
Read More →