THE number of households in Bradford seeking homelessness support has risen, according to new statistics.

Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government data showed 605 households in Bradford had an initial assessment for homelessness support between April and June - up from 560 in the same period in 2023.

The latest figures revealed the initial assessments led to 560 of the 605 households being assessed as requiring support to prevent or relieve homelessness. 

Polly Neate, chief executive of the charity Shelter, said: "Devastatingly we're seeing the housing emergency continue to escalate - with more and more people showing up to their Council facing homelessness, desperate for help."

She said soaring rents, increasing evictions and the lack of affordable social homes were pushing people into homelessness, with local authorities struggling to meet the rising demand and people placed in insalubrious and unsuitable accommodation.

Across England, the number of households assessed for homelessness support rose by 10 per cent over the last year, reaching nearly 91,000 in the three months to June.

Of those, 83,240 were assessed as requiring support to prevent or relieve homelessness.

A Bradford Council spokesperson said: "The rise in homelessness applications across Bradford reflects a growing national issue, which we are working hard to address in partnership with the Government, local charities and other stakeholders. 
 
"Homelessness is not just a housing issue. There can be a range of factors involved including the cost-of-living crisis, rising rents and the availability of affordable housing. 

"In Bradford, we are committed to providing robust support for those at risk, including prevention initiatives and working to secure suitable temporary accommodation when needed. 
 
"However, the pressures on Councils nationally, and here in Bradford, are significant. 

"To address this, we are reviewing our Homelessness and Rough Sleeper Strategy, with a view to implementing it by spring next year. 

"This strategy will place a strong emphasis on continued partnership working.
 
"Alongside investing in both emergency and long-term accommodation for homeless people, we have also pioneered the Housing First scheme. 

"This supports rough sleepers with the most complex needs off the streets and into permanent accommodation. 

"Additionally, the Council has recommissioned its temporary accommodation and supported housing contracts to better support families and individuals facing homelessness."

The Government recently announced an additional £233 million would be spent on tackling homelessness in 2025-26, taking total spending to £1 billion - something the Bradford Council spokesperson welcomed.