The Briefing Room

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David Aaronovitch presents in-depth explainers on big issues in the news.

David Aaronovitch and a panel of experts and insiders present in-depth explainers on big issues in the news.

David Aaronovitch and a panel of experts and insiders present in-depth explainers on big issues in the news

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The Briefing Room: What’s behind the record homelessness figures?

21/12/2023

What’s behind the record homelessness figures?

BBC Radio 4 - The Briefing Room, What’s behind the record homelessness figures?

Recent homelessness figures show an increasing number of people in temporary accommodation

Councils have a legal duty to house families and vulnerable people if they lose their homes. A shortage of affordable homes means more are moving into temporary accommodation.

Housing charity Shelter’s latest figures show that homelessness has risen rapidly in the last year.  In England, 279,400 people are living in temporary accommodation - an increase of 14% - most of whom are families. 
And the government’s own figures reveal that almost half (47%) of families who are homeless in temporary accommodation have been there for more than two years. 
Councils have a legal duty to house families and people who are vulnerable if they lose their homes, but the acute shortage of affordable homes means they are having to rely on temporary accommodation for long periods.
So what can be done to fix the growing numbers who find themselves homeless?

David Aaronovitch is joined by the following expert guests:
Christine Whitehead, Housing Economist, London School of Economics
Rachelle Earwaker, Senior Economist,  Joseph Rowntree Foundation
Matthew Wilkins, Head of Value for Money, Centre for Homelessness Impact

Production team: Kirsteen Knight, Alex Lewis and Sophie Eastaugh
Production Co-ordinators: Jacqui Johnson and Sophie Hill
Sound: Rod Farquhar
Editor: Richard Vadon

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