Homeless children figure 'doubles'

A report, compiled by shadow housing minister Grant Shapps, claims the numbers represent a "staggering" increase of 128% since 1997.

Mr Shapps said the doubling of the numbers of homeless children since Labour came to power highlights the "dismal record" of the Government.

The children were forgotten and left behind and there had been a dramatic failure in the area, he added.

The report, There's No Place Like Home, says many of the solutions revolve around "better and more coordinated" attempts to provide information, communication and support to people who might be on the verge of homelessness. And it says the speed at which people can be evicted from social housing may need to be reviewed.

The findings, which have been based on Government data, claim the number of homeless children living in England has risen by 128% since 1997 and could be as high as 147,000

Housing charity Shelter claims that homeless children are three to four times more likely to have mental health problems and twice as likely to be bullied at school.

Mr Shapps said: "For 130,000 homeless children in England, this Christmas is unlikely to be much fun. These children are being forgotten and left behind. Lack of permanent accommodation can have a grave impact on a child's health and development with devastating consequences.

"The fact that the number of homeless children has doubled over the past 10 years highlights the Government's dismal record in creating more social housing. It is hard to escape the conclusion that their policies have been a dramatic failure in this area."

Adam Sampson, chief executive of Shelter, said: "Britain is the fourth richest country in the world and it's a disgrace that we cannot guarantee all our children a home. Some advances have been made but we must do more."