Southwark Sees Sharp Rise in Children Living in Temporary Accommodation

Southwark Sees Sharp Rise in Children Living in Temporary Accommodation
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Southwark has witnessed a significant increase in the number of children living in temporary accommodation (TA), with one classroom of homeless children for every primary school in the borough, the BBC reported. A new study by the New Economics Foundation (NEF) revealed that between 2020 and 2024, the number of children in TA in Southwark rose by 77%, reaching approximately 3,500, compared to 1,900 four years earlier. This rise exceeds the 25% increase seen across England during the same period.

The report highlights the wide-ranging impacts on children, including mental health challenges, malnutrition, and disruption to schooling. Many families are placed in overcrowded B&Bs or rented rooms far from their original neighborhoods, forcing children to travel long distances or change schools. Some face unsafe living conditions, such as damp, mould, or electrical hazards, which exacerbate stress and developmental delays.

Southwark Council emphasized ongoing efforts to tackle homelessness, citing more than 3,000 council homes built or under construction since 2013 and a 72% success rate in preventing homelessness in 2024-25. Experts urge improved coordination between housing, health, and social care services, recommending a dedicated point of contact for families navigating TA and stronger communication protocols to safeguard children’s welfare.