Map shows areas in England where the most children are homeless this Christmas
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At least 99,000 school children are homeless in temporary accommodation before Christmas in England, startling figures show. Ministry of Housing data obtained by charity Shelter found that at least one in 24 primary school children in London are living in temporary accommodation.
![[Britain's Deputy Prime Minister and Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Secretary Angela Rayner listens to a speaker on the fourth day of the annual Labour Party conference in Liverpool, north-west England, on September 25, 2024. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP) (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/SEI_233455240-db49.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
In Birmingham, there are 7,394 school children aged between 5 and 17 who have nowhere permanent to call home – the highest in England. This is a 12% increase in comparison to 2023 and a 28% increase since 2022. Birmingham is the largest authority in England, so second behind this is Newham with 6,854 school aged children not living in a permanent home.
It has led Shelter’s group chief executive to brand the figures as ‘heartbreaking’. Councillor Jayne Francis, Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness at Birmingham City Council, told Metro that the city is working towards the goal of reducing homelessness numbers.
She said: ‘Birmingham City Council is working on every front to prevent homelessness, and where temporary accommodation is required, ensure it is safe and suitable. ‘However, the number of households with young children in temporary accommodation in Birmingham is increasing and is a concern.
‘For many families in the city and across the country, the reality is that many are enduring difficult circumstances and facing years-long waits for a home. ‘Despite this overwhelming demand, we are doing everything possible to construct new homes. However, the sheer demand necessitates government intervention – our current rate of house building cannot keep up with the current level of demand.’.
