New figures show homelessness amongst vulnerable groups has risen dramatically

New analysis of homelessness amongst vulnerable groups has highlighted the complete failure of the Tory Government to deal with this important issue despite the Conservatives saying their success will be judged by how ‘we care for the weakest and most vulnerable at home.’

Figures buried in the website of the Department for Communities and Local Government show that since the Tories came to power the number of families accepted by local authorities as homeless where a person in the household is vulnerable through mental illnesses has gone up by more than a half – increasing by 53 per cent.  

Over the same period the number of households with dependent children accepted as homeless has increased by nearly two thirds (62 per cent).

The number being classed as vulnerable through a member of the household having a physically disability has increased 49 per cent.

In Opposition Theresa May called on the Government to accept the gravity of the situation when it comes to homelessness but these new figures once again highlight her Government’s complete failure to get to grips with this key issue.

John Healey MP, Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for Housing, said:

“It’s a scandal that after six years of failure on housing, falling homelessness under Labour has turned into rising homelessness under the Tories.

 “Since 2010 homelessness has risen dramatically on all fronts with almost 60,000 households becoming homeless last year. These figures show that some vulnerable groups have been particularly hard hit.

 “Ministers urgently need to get a grip, back Labour’s plans to end rough sleeping and build thousands more affordable homes.”