Young homeless numbers down

But there was no drop in youth homelessness in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The report, published by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, is the first UK-wide review of youth homelessness for a decade.

It revealed at least 75,000 young people across the UK had experienced homelessness in 2006-07, but also pointed out that the true number was likely to be much higher.

This is because the figures only included young people in contact with homelessness services or agencies and did not take into account so-called "sofa surfers" who rely on staying with friends or relatives.

The data showed that young women are more likely to be statutorily homeless than men of a similar age.

Researchers also looked at the reasons behind youth homelessness and found the main cause was the breakdown of family relationships.

Young people at greatest risk of homelessness tended to come from disadvantaged backgrounds and/or had experienced disruption or trauma as a child. A significant number had also suffered violence at home.

The report concluded that agencies and local authorities were meeting the needs of vulnerable 16 to 17-year-olds more effectively than a decade ago.

However, those aged between 18 and 24 were now comparatively worse off.