The information released in a Parliamentary answer to the Liberal Democrats shows:
- Almost 88,000 children are living in temporary housing this year
- There has been a 9% increase in the number of children living in temporary housing since 2004/2005
- London has seen a massive 38% rise over the same period
Liberal Democrat Shadow Housing Minister, Sarah Teather said: "It is a tragedy that so many families will spend this Christmas mired in uncertainty and crammed into bed and breakfasts and unsuitable housing.
"Labour came to power promising to build more social housing, but unless Gordon Brown acts quickly his legacy will be one of failure and neglect of some of the poorest children.
"With more and more families finding themselves facing the grim prospect of repossession, the Government must urgently give councils the power to borrow and build now, while land is cheap.
"Poor housing affects a child's health, education and life chances. Failure to rebuild the social housing safety-net is condemning thousands of children to years of insecurity."
On the 38% rise in London, Sarah Teather said: "The London figures are particularly shocking. I have constituents who have spent their entire lives trapped in temporary housing and I see the devastating consequences every single day.
"The Government must act now to save another generation of Londoners."
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