Homelessness Numbers Down By 60%

National statistics released yesterday show that the number of households accepted as homeless has been cut by 60% since 2003.

The figures show that 14,340 households were accepted as homeless by local authorities between July to September 2008 - a 13% reduction compared to the same quarter last year.

The statistics also show a continuing reduction in the number of households in temporary accommodation down to 72,130 - a 29% reduction since 2004.

Homelessness Minister Iain Wright said: "This is a fantastic achievement by local authorities and their partners. We've come a long way in tackling homelessness, reducing homelessness acceptances by 60% over the last five years and cutting the use of temporary accommodation by nearly a third since 2004.

"But we will not stop here, we want sustained reductions, which is why we are investing £200 million over the next three years in local authorities and the voluntary sector to tackle and prevent homelessness - the biggest cash injection ever for homelessness services."

The figures come as the Communities and Local Government-backed SPARK competition which encourages new and innovative business ideas to prevent and tackle homelessness opens for applications.

The scheme invites social enterprises and individuals who are at risk of homelessness or have been homeless to bid for a share of a £1.6 million prize as well as business mentoring from the likes of PWC and BT. Profits from these enterprises are then used to help the homeless find training and employment.

This builds on the success of last year's 15 winners which included an organic farm that provides employment and rehabilitation services to homeless people and a corporate bike servicing programme.

(JM)