Homeless numbers rise in Birmingham
Homelessness in Birmingham has increased by 25% since 2009, according to new figures.
It's the largest regional rise in the country. Since 2009/10, 558 more households have required emergency accommodation.
Over the same period, national figures show that more than 50,000 families and individuals have been classed as homeless.
Data analysts SSentif collated the numbers. They suggest that there could be a connection between the amount of money spent on homeless prevention, and the rise in homeless households.
– Judy Aldred, managing director of SSentif"Whilst these figures are perhaps not surprising given the state of the economy, some of the results for specific councils are quite shocking."
"In Birmingham, where homelessness increased 25% from 2009/10 to 2010/11, spend dropped from £7.8 million to £5.5 million (29%)."
"We were also able to cross-reference the data with spending on homelessness, which dropped in England from £213.7 million to £199.8 million between 2009/10 and 2010/11."