Child homeless statistics are “Shameful”
Reacting to the publication of official homelessness statistics, Cornwall’s five Liberal Democrat MPs have called on the Government to take urgent action to help the 7,000 children in the South West living in temporary accommodation.
Commenting, Julia Goldsworthy, MP for Falmouth and Camborne, said:
“The 7,000 children living in the South West without a real home reflect the devastating impact that the lack of affordable housing is having on the region. It is shocking that after 10 years of a Labour Government, little action has been taken to tackle the root causes of the problem.
“The region’s high house prices, coupled with low local wages, mean that for many families, housing remains unaffordable. There is an urgent need for more affordable housing to be made available in the region.
“Many local authorities, such as Carrick District Council, have made significant progress in helping families in need. The Private Sector Leasing Scheme has made more rented accommodation available, with the Council guaranteeing that rent payments are made and the property is returned in good condition.
“If we are to make greater steps towards helping those in temporary accommodation, similar creative thinking and more encouragement from the Government is required.”
Dan Rogerson, MP for North Cornwall and Lib Dem Shadow Housing Minister added:
“The uncertainty that comes with living in temporary and often poor quality accommodation can have a devastating impact on young people’s health and education.
“This shameful situation is part of the legacy left by the Conservatives, who introduced the ‘right-to-buy’ but failed to invest the revenue in additional housing stock. If we are to help these children, the Government must build extra social rented homes and I hope to see a commitment to this in the forthcoming Comprehensive Spending Review.”
For more information, please contact Sam Cannicott – 020 7219 8210 / 07751893270
Notes for Editors
For Shelter’s response, see http://england.shelter.org.uk/home/home-624.cfm/pressreleaselisting/1/pressrelease/321/
For more detailed figures, see http://www.communities.gov.uk/pub/676/SupplementaryTable2006Q4120307_id1508676.xls
