Get our money-saving tips and top offers direct to your inbox with the Mirror Money newsletter Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Tens of thousands of children have spent the summer holidays in temporary accommodation, latest figures show.

According to the most up-to-date Government figures, the numbers of homeless children stands at a current high of 123,000, a rise of 76% since 2011.

Almost 80,000 families in England were in temporary accommodation during the first quarter of 2018, the highest figure for a decade.

The Local Government Association (LGA) said the figures underlined the need for both welfare reform and the flexibility for councils to borrow money to fund home-building programmes.

Judith Blake, the LGA's housing spokeswoman, said: "For too many families, it (the summer holiday) has been a miserable existence, living in inappropriate conditions as they experience the sharp end of our national housing shortage.

"Councils are currently housing almost 123,000 children experiencing homelessness, which not only has hugely negative impact on their young lives but creates an unsustainable position for local councils, as they experience spiralling housing costs without the tools and resources to deliver the homes their residents need.

"The Government needs to ensure all councils are able to borrow to build the new homes that are needed to address our housing shortage, and adapt welfare reforms to prevent people from losing their home where possible."

'More needs to help done for families and children'

(Image: Taxi)

Although council leaders say the Government's recent Rough Sleeping Strategy is a positive first step, they are warning that ministers needs to go much further, much faster, to support councils to prevent homelessness for all groups, including families and their children.

It comes as figures published by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government this week published statistics showing councils in England increased spending on children's social care by 4.3%, a rise of £8.8 billion on the previous year.

A Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government spokeswoman said: "All children deserve a safe and decent place to live and we are providing more than £1.2 billion so those who are homeless get the support they need.

"Councils have a duty to provide suitable temporary accommodation to those who need it, and families with children get priority.

"So families can get a permanent home, we are investing £9 billion in affordable properties, including £2 billion for social rent housing."

What families can do if they're worried about being left homeless

(Image: E+ / Getty Images)

If you're struggling to pay bills, cannot afford your rent, are in fear of eviction, or for another reason are worried you could be made homeless, there are ways to find help and support.

Firstly, if you're being evicted, make sure you know your rights about being given notice to leave. If it's bills you're worried about, take action to find help - we've got a guide on it here if you're in arrears.

Speak to your landlord and be open about your concerns. Naturally, if they don't hear from you and you miss a payment, they'll think you're just ignoring them. Notify them of the problem so that everyone's in the loop.

When you speak to your landlord:

Explain why you’re going to be late with the rent and ask for some extra time

Be clear about what you’re doing to address the problem and ask to arrange a repayments plan that works for both of you.

Shelter has a useful guide on emergency housing and how to find shelter if you're on the streets or are about to find yourself homeless. This includes women's refuges and places for 16-25-year-olds who are considered most vulnerable.

Homeless.org also has an incredibly handy page on how to find housing support in each town or city in the UK. You'll be able to find out what associations exist and will be able to then contact them for more assistance.

If you're considered a priority need, you'll be able to get immediate assistance from your local council. This may be temporary accommodation, a hostel or even a hotel. It will be provided to you on an emergency basis. To be considered a priority, you must fall into one of the following categories:

Have dependent children under 16, or 19 in cases where they're unable to support themselves independently.

Have a severely disable child

You or someone in your household is pregnant

Are aged 18-20 and spent at least 24 hours in care arranged by social services when you were 16 or 17 years old.

Are classed as 'vulnerable' due to old age, learning/hearing difficulties, have mental health concerns, are fleeing domestic violence or are in care.

Are homeless due to an emergency such as fire or flood.

You can find further information on this at Gov.org, here.