More people living in temporary accommodation in Rochdale

More people are currently living in temporary accommodation in Rochdale, according to new figures from the government.

48 people in Rochdale currently live in temporary accommodation, an increase of 140% since 2010, and an increase of 20% on last year’s figures.

The statistics show 2,542 people live in temporary accommodation in the North West (up from last year and 2010), whilst nationally, the total number in England is 79,880 (up 3% from last year and 56% from 2010).

Responding to the figures, Jon Sparkes Crisis chief executive, said: “While we welcome steps the government has taken around preventing homelessness, today’s figures are a stark reminder that there are still far too many people who are homeless and stuck in temporary accommodation or being placed in sub-standard and sometimes dangerous B&Bs.

“Every day we see first-hand the effects of long stays in these types of accommodation; people can become isolated, with little access to vital support services, in poor conditions with nowhere to wash clothes or cook.

“No one deserves to live like this. In our recently published plan to end homelessness we call for help to be offered to those at risk of losing their home at a much earlier stage so that homelessness is prevented, whenever possible. When people do lose their homes however, we need to make sure they are helped quickly into safe and secure accommodation. This means affordable houses and flats in ordinary communities.

“When people quickly get the help they need they are far less likely to develop mental and physical health problems. They are far more likely to build networks, find work and move out of homelessness for good.

“In 21st century Britain, homelessness isn’t inevitable. Now that we know the solutions to end homelessness, we’re calling on the government to take swift action to tackle the problem and fix it once and for all.”