New analysis by Sheffield Labour reveals a staggering 121.61% rise in families forced into expensive temporary accommodation in Sheffield since the Conservatives came to power. At the same time, council support from central government has fallen in Sheffield by 59%.

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, Labour’s Housing spokesperson Nabeela Mowlana said,

“Sheffield 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 Sheffield a fair deal.

Since 2010 the council had been forced to of deliver over £475m of savings to offset funding cuts and increased pressures. In real terms this means the council receives 29 per cent less than in 2010, around £900 per resident.

“It is time for a fair deal for Sheffield. Our city 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 Sheffield 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.”