A record number of children are homeless and living in temporary accommodation in Trafford.

The latest official figures show 234 children in Trafford were living in temporary accommodation at the end of March this year, in what Labour has called a “national scandal”.

The figure has soared by 47 per cent from 159 children living in B&Bs, hostels and other temporary housing in March 2023, and is at the highest level since records began in 2004.

It means that there are now around 42 homeless children living in temporary accommodation for every 10,000 children under the age of 18 in Trafford.

A spokesperson for Trafford council said: “The cost of living crisis has hit many families hard, resulting in a sharp rise in the number of children living in temporary accommodation.

“Unfortunately, it is difficult to find private-sector accommodation as rents in Trafford are one of the highest in the UK and there is a large disparity between what landlords charge and the Local Housing Allowance rates.

“We are continuing to do all we can to help families back into permanent accommodation and prevent more families being made homeless.

“We have a private sector lead who is constantly looking to source more temporary accommodation to reduce numbers in B&Bs and also to increase move-on accommodation through the private sector.”

They said that there is also the offer of the Trafford rent and deposit scheme available to those households on low-income who cannot afford deposits and rent upfront.

“In some cases, we also offer to cover any rent shortfalls of the difference between Local Housing Allowance rate and the rents that are being charged,” they continued.

“All households in temporary accommodation or B&Bs receive a weekly report of what is available, as well contact from officers to discuss any properties that are suitable. Tenancy support officers will also assist those in temporary accommodation that need the additional support.

“In the long-term, we are working with partners to increase the number of affordable housing throughout the borough to make sure families can access quality accommodation at a rate they can afford.”

Emergency accommodation such as B&Bs and hostels are notoriously overcrowded, expensive and unsuitable for families.

Legally, B&Bs in particular are only meant to be used to house families in an emergency for a maximum period of six weeks – but many families end up living in them for far longer.

Across the country, of the 74,530 households with dependent children in temporary accommodation, more than 5,500 were staying in B&Bs – 44 per cent higher than in March 2023.

Of those, 3,250 had been living there for longer than the six-week statutory limit, which was 80% higher than last year.

Polly Neate, chief executive of housing charity Shelter, said: “Without a clear plan to invest in genuinely affordable social homes, thousands more children will be forced to grow up in damaging temporary accommodation, spending months if not years living out of suitcases, crammed into grim bedsits and B&Bs, and unable to put down any roots.

“The government must urgently establish a cross-department homelessness strategy and scrap no-fault evictions if we are to end homelessness.”