Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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Decrease in homelessness continues as new statistics show 72 per cent reduction
New national statistics released today show that despite the tough economic times, the number of those accepted as homeless is down by 72 per cent since 2003.
The figures show that 9,430 households were accepted as homeless
by local authorities between October to December 2009 - a 22 per
cent reduction compared to the same time last year.
The number of households in temporary homes on 31st December
2009 has also fallen by 21 per cent since the same date last year
- down to 53,370 - showing that local authorities have almost met
the 2010 target of halving the number of households in temporary
accommodation.
Homelessness Minister Ian Austin said:
"One of the greatest successes of this Government is
its record on tackling homelessness, but this wouldn't
have been possible without the expertise and most of all
commitment and support from across the homelessness sector.
"From councils to charities, they've got
behind the policy and made it happen on the ground.
Today's figures are a testament to all that hard work.
"However, there is still more work to be done.
That's why we have invested £220 million over three years
in local authorities and the voluntary sector, to continue this
drive to reduce levels of homelessness even further.
"At the same time we've put in place a
comprehensive range of support to help families struggling to pay
their mortgage and this has already helped over 330,000 families
stay in their homes during the recession and made sure
repossession is the last resort."
Notes to Editors
1) The Statutory Homelessness statistics can be found at:
http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/corporate/statistics/homelessnessq42009
2) The Government has set a national target to halve the number
of households in temporary accommodation to 50,500 households by
2010.
News Releases: www.communities.gov.uk/newsroom
Contacts:
Communities and Local Government Press Office
Phone: 0303 44 41137
press.office@communities.gsi.gov.uk
Communities and Local Government Out of hours
Phone: 0303 444 1201
press.office@communities.gsi.gov.uk
