Crime against humanity

A shocking 90,000 children in Britain will spend this Christmas homeless according to new figures from housing charity Shelter.

The number of families living in temporary accommodation has doubled in three years in England alone. As a result many children are facing severe emotional distress including depression, panic attacks and self-harm.

“These figures are obscene and demonstrate the appalling impact of Tory austerity in Britain today,” said Steve Turner, Unite assistant general secretary.

“The reality facing millions struggling to find a safe, secure home for their families is a daily fight against an unfair benefits cap class cleansing our towns and cities and the wholesale destruction of our social housing stock.”

Shelter has launched an appeal asking for help from the public. “These days it only takes one thing to push a family in to a downward spiral which can end in homelessness,” said Campbell Robb, Shelter Chief executive.

“We’re bracing ourselves for an increase in demand.”

Most families surveyed were living in one room and had to share a kitchen and bathroom with strangers.

Some were forced to eat meals off the floor because living space was so tight.

“Our growing housing crisis cannot be ignored any longer, the refusal of government to release investment to build desperately needed social housing is a crime against humanity” added Steve.

“Not only would a programme to build a million new social homes mean safe, secure and affordable housing for families, it would also create decent, secure, well paid jobs for those in the construction industries and wider economy as well.”

Shelter used government figures to work out how many children faced homelessness this Christmas across the UK.

The charity also conducted an in-depth investigation with 20 families in England who are living in temporary accommodation or have recently moved out of it.

You can support Shelter’s emergency Christmas appeal at shelter.org.uk/donate