Coupled with poverty, child homelessness in the UK is increasing. The latest annual research commissioned by the National Housing Federation says that in England alone:
- Almost 2 million (1 in 5) children are living in overcrowded, unaffordable or unsuitable homes.
- Nearly 124,000 homeless children are living in temporary accommodation. (For example, ‘sofa surfing’ or staying with friends or family without any formal arrangement being in place and often sleeping in spaces not designed as bedrooms.)
- 293,000 children are living in homes that are unsuitable for their needs or health requirements,
- 283,000 children are living with their families in other people’s homes – effectively homeless – because their families cannot afford a home of their own.
Using the definition of homelessness below, some of these people are already considered homeless, and the rest are at risk of homelessness.