Vow to slash record toll of kids in temporary shelter

THE number of homeless families will start to fall straight away, the Housing Secretary has vowed.

- BY SOPHIE HUSKISSON

Steve Reed also told how it would be a personal failure if the record toll of children living in temporary accommodation continues to climb.

He said he was urging social housing giants to “go big, go bold and go build”, adding it is heartbreaking to see people sleeping rough.

However, Mr Reed appeared to admit he was going to cut affordable home requirements in London as he needed to prioritise house-building.

Official data last week revealed a record 172,420 homeless children were in temporary accommodation in England by the end of June.

It is the highest number since records began two decades ago.

Mr Reed told The Mirror: “It would absolutely be a personal failure if the numbers are higher at the end of this parliament than they are now.”

Told the end of this parliament - in 2029 - is far off, Mr Reed admitted: “Absolutely, it's quite a long way.