More than 200,000 children across England are expected to be living in temporary emergency accommodation by the end of this Parliament, according to new projections by the housing charity Shelter.
The analysis highlights a looming crisis, with the number of children in unstable housing forecast to rise by 26% over the next five years, reaching 206,000 by 2029.
Soaring Costs for Taxpayers
Shelter’s research suggests the financial burden on taxpayers will escalate sharply, with annual costs projected to surge by 71% to £3.9 billion.
The figures, which consider current government policies and anticipated house price trends, reveal the growing extent of England’s hidden housing emergency, unfolding in bedsits, hostels, and bed and breakfast accommodation across the country.
Councils Struggling Amid Emergency Accommodation Crisis
A recent investigation by The Guardian found that councils are paying, on average, 60% above market rent to secure emergency housing, fuelling a £2 billion industry.
Many families, including those with young children, are trapped in these precarious living conditions for years, often facing overcrowded, unsafe, and unhygienic environments.
Mairi MacRae, Shelter’s Director of Policy and Campaigns, described the situation as a “national shame”, stating:
“Thousands of children are growing up without the basic stability and comfort of a proper home, often sharing beds, eating from trays, and enduring constant upheaval. Without urgent action, this crisis will only deepen.”
Long-Term Solutions Urgently Needed
Temporary accommodation is intended as a short-term solution while councils determine long-term housing support. However, the chronic shortage of social housing means many families are left languishing for years.
Government data shows that nearly 17,000 families have been stuck in temporary housing for over five years, with over 60% of London families with children enduring stays of two years or longer.
Those affected report filthy living conditions, vermin infestations, and unsafe communal areas, with Shelter warning that the situation will deteriorate further unless decisive action is taken.
Projections Paint a Grim Future
Shelter’s modelling, even after accounting for government initiatives such as the renters’ reform bill and increased funding for affordable homes, forecasts that by 2029, around 182,000 households will be in temporary accommodation — a 44% increase compared to current figures.
Experts caution that the mounting demand will place even greater financial strain on already cash-strapped councils, risking more authorities edging towards bankruptcy. However, campaigners argue that a major expansion of social housebuilding could offer a sustainable solution.
Call for Action Ahead of Spending Review
Angela Rayner, the Housing Secretary, has pledged to spearhead the largest boost to affordable housing in a generation. Yet sector leaders stress that without significant new funding at June’s spending review, this goal may prove elusive.
Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, is due to outline the government’s investment plans for affordable housing during the review, with Shelter urging a commitment of several billion pounds annually to meet demand.
MacRae concluded: “The spending review in June is a pivotal opportunity. To truly end homelessness, the government must commit to delivering 90,000 new social homes each year for the next decade, giving families the stability and security they deserve.”
