More than £2bn expected to be spent on temporary accommodation this year as homeless households rise by 10% in a year

The latest figures reported by the homelessness charity, Shelter, show the number of homeless households living in temporary accommodation rose to 109,000 as of September 2023, which is up 10 per cent in a year.

The shortage in social homes has forced individuals and families into homelessness – in cramped and unsuitable temporary accommodation, often miles away from where they work and their support networks.

Christophe Richard from Manchester has been in and out temporary accommodation for up to six months, which he says has cost Manchester City Council nearly £10,000.

Last year he was diagnosed with neurosarcoidosis, a long-term chronic disease of the central nervous system. As his health got worse, he could no longer take the stairs to access his flat.

He subsequently lost his job at Manchester Airport and needed to be rehoused.

With help from friends, he revamped his van, so he could live in it temporarily. The police then recommended him to contact Manchester City Council’s rehousing team for help.

However, he’s been moved from one hotel to another far away from his workplace and not been given anything permanent to help him get back on his feet.

He argues that the answer to solve the situation he and many others are facing is obvious.

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“There's a sign in this building. There is 80,000 square foot of office space available. It would cost altogether £800,000 to turn them into 130 flats. So right there, right here, right now, in six months. For a very short budget, 6,000 per flat. You can, you know, create apartments that weren't there yesterday and have a concrete solution.

He added: “What I know is that our mayor is definitely complaining about how the British government is taking care of migrants in terms of housing. When he surely should, be honest regarding his own legal migrant, citizens, and worst of it – veterans.

“I’ve been left in the streets, and I feel very sad and sorry for all the Mancunians that are being just left disrespected. Treated like you wouldn't want to treat your own family.”

The Hope Centre in Northampton is working with around 150 homeless people this month, helping them with what they need to try and get off the streets working alongside several partner organisation and the local authority.

Their day service allows people to come in, get food, clothing, showered. They can also get one-on-one support with mental health, drugs, and alcohol addictions.

However, they say it’s a “real challenge here” and “we’re definitely stretched” beyond some other areas. One of the main reasons they’re seeing growing numbers of people use their services is the cost-of-living crisis.

Alex Copeland, Chief Executive of Northampton Hope Centre says they’re hoping to get a permanent night shelter to help with the size of homelessness they have.

He added: “One of the big issues here in West Northamptonshire is the budgets are just not available. We have a lack of housing, a lack of funding for houses. The team that are trying to support us to, to move people on now, they are facing the same barriers we face that there's just not enough provision.

“And they rely on central government budget to make a difference, because there isn't enough flexibility within the local budget to actually support more and more people. Where other local authorities may be using some of the local pot, there's just not available within the budget. So, it does mean there’s a limitation to that support that is currently available.”

A Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities spokesperson told GB News: “Temporary accommodation is a vital safety net to make sure families are not left without a roof over their heads, whilst they wait for settled accommodation.

“Councils have a responsibility to help families find a new home and we are giving councils over £1.2 billion over three years to help do this.

“The government have already exited 100 hotels previously used to house asylum seekers. As we exit more in the coming months, we will continue to work with local authorities to manage this process and minimise disruption.”