The number of people being accepted as homeless by councils in England has risen by 33% since 2010, new figures have revealed.

Data, published today, found 14,470 households were accepted as homeless between October and December last year - a rise of 6% across England and 10% in London compared to the previous year.

However, in Wales the number of households accepted as homeless fell by 67% compared to the previous year after the Government there introduced a new legal duty to prevent or relieve homelessness. 

Local Government Association housing spokesman, Cllr Peter Box, said: ‘It is a tragedy when anyone becomes homeless and councils work hard to prevent it happening in the first place. 

‘This not only includes placing people in accommodation but also focuses on helping people develop the skills needed to find work or improving their health and wellbeing.'

Cllr Box argued councils needed more powers to tackle homelessness.

‘Local authorities are desperate to build the new homes that meet local need but housing reforms that reduce rents and force councils to sell their homes will make building new homes increasingly difficult,' he said.

‘This will only make finding emergency care for all homeless people and expanding the range of accommodation for homeless people, particularly those who are young, vulnerable, or with families, more difficult.'