The number of children in temporary accommodation in England has risen to over 172,000, an 8% increase from last year, and the highest in 21 years. However, households needing homelessness prevention or relief fell by 5.5% to 78,630, and families in B&Bs decreased by 43% to 3,340.

The rise in temporary accommodation has led charities to urge Chancellor Rachel Reeves to unfreeze Local Housing Allowance in the Autumn Budget. 40 housing groups sent a letter asking the government to restore housing benefits to cover the cheapest 30% of rents.

Matt Downie, chief executive of Crisis, said: “Tragically we have now become totally accustomed to seeing record levels of children growing up in temporary accommodation. – we have to ask, as living costs increase and the supply of social homes recedes, when this will end”.

Homelessness Minister Alison McGovern said: “Today’s statistics are a stark reminder that too many people have been let down by the system meant to protect them. That is why we are working to address the root causes, investing £1 billion in 2025/26, including an additional £84 million to prevent homelessness this winter, building 1.5 million homes, investing £39 billion in the Social and Affordable Homes Programme, scrapping Section 21 evictions, and raising standards to ensure safe and secure housing for all.”