New analysis has revealed a shocking rise in families forced into temporary accommodation since 2010 when the Conservative came into power, supported in coalition for the first five years by the the Liberal Democrats. Luke Viner, housing spokesperson for South Cambs Labour explained:

“New analysis by South Cambs Labour reveals a staggering 77.8% rise in families forced into expensive temporary accommodation in South Cambs since the Conservatives came to power. At the same time, council support from central government has fallen in South Cambs by 68%.

“Over the same period, the number of households living in temporary accommodation across England has more than doubled to the highest levels since records began  – costing councils at least £1.74 billion in 2022/23.”

“The chronic lack of social housing has forced councils across the country to pay to house people in private temporary accommodation, including hotels and B&Bs while they wait for a permanent home.

“Labour has promised to tackle the housing crisis by building 1.5m homes over five years if it wins the next General Election.”

Publishing the figures, Luke said,

“South Cambs has taken a hammering under the Conservatives. The Tories have failed to build the homes we need and the number of homeless households is soaring – costing the council a fortune in temporary accommodation – yet support from central government has been slashed well beyond breaking point.

“The truth is the Conservative Party refuses to give South Cambs a fair deal. Even as the Conservatives forced up council tax by 61%, we still face a spending power reduction of 71% thanks to cuts in government support.

“It is time for a fair deal for South Cambs. Our area must not be hit harder than other parts of the country – we must be given the resources we need. At the Autumn Statement, the Conservatives have to stop making South Cambs pay for their mistakes.”

Councillor Darren Rodwell, Housing spokesperson for the Local Government Association, said:

“Councils are under mounting pressure to find suitable homes for an ever-increasing number of people and are doing the best they can under current circumstances.

“A plethora of issues has meant that council budgets are being squeezed and the chronic shortage of suitable housing across the country means that councils are increasingly having to turn to alternative options for accommodation at a significant cost.

“Councils need to be given the powers and resources to build enough social homes for their residents so they can create a more prosperous place to live, with healthier and happier communities.”