The latest National Statistics on Statutory Homelessness for July to September 2011, England, were released on 8 December 2011, under arrangements approved by the UK Statistics Authority.
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The key points from the latest release of figures for July to September 2011, England are:
Household acceptances
12,510 applicants were accepted as owed a main homelessness duty during July to September 2011, 6 % higher than during the same quarter of 2010.
On a seasonally-adjusted basis, there were 11,930 acceptances, an increase of 1 % from 11,810 in the previous quarter.
Households in temporary accommodation
49,100 households were in temporary accommodation on 30 September 2011, 1 % lower than at the same date in 2010.
On a seasonally-adjusted basis, 48,620 households were in temporary accommodation, a slight increase from 48,270 in the previous quarter. This may be the result of the recent increases in acceptances.
Communities & Local Government Draft Statistics Plan for 2011/12, proposed reducing the detail of the statutory homelessness quarterly releases to include only the most high profile and volatile data, with a more detailed publication at year end.
This is the 2nd shortened release as set out in the plan. There has been no reduction in the number of tables and data published with the quarterly release, simply a reduction in the text which will be offset by a fuller commentary in the release at the end of the financial year. The supplementary tables that accompanied previous releases have been published as live tables.
The plan was available for user consultation from 13 April to 3 June 2011. A summary of the responses received and the final version of the plan will be published (covering the year ending March 2012).
Shelter have highlighted that the number of households declared homeless so far this year is up by 13 per cent from the same period last year. Commenting on the figures, Shelter’s Chief Executive Campbell Robb said:
‘It is heartbreaking to think that so many families will be facing Christmas without a home to call their own. But the greatest tragedy is that year-to-date figures are 13 % higher than they were at this time last year.
With someone facing losing their home every two minutes, the reality is this is a fate that could happen to any one of us. All it takes is one small thing, such as an illness or financial trouble, and things can soon spiral out of control.
And with rising unemployment, increases in fuel bills and a continued squeeze on living costs, the picture is unlikely to improve any time soon.
Research from Shelter shows that across the country 630 people a day will receive a letter threatening the loss of their home between now and Christmas, which could see them in court and fighting to keep their home.
At Shelter we know only too well that being made homeless, or living each day under the constant threat of homelessness, is a horrific experience that can tear families apart. That’s why we will be doing all we can to help those who are struggling this Christmas.’
Further Information
For National Statistics on Statutory Homelessness: July to September Quarter 2011, England, please click here.
