Waltham Forest and Redbridge have some of the highest rates of homelessness of any areas in the country, according to new figures.

A study by housing charity Shelter has revealed the number of people who are living either on the streets or in temporary accommodation across all local authorities in England.

Figures released today (Wednesday, November 8), show Waltham Forest has the sixth-highest rate of homelessness in the country, with one in 36 people, or 7,634 in total, without a permanent dwelling.

Some 6,257 people, or one in 48, were deemed homeless in Redbridge, putting the borough eleventh on the national list.

Polly Neate, chief executive of Shelter, said: “On a daily basis, we speak to hundreds of people and families who are desperately trying to escape the devastating trap of homelessness.

“A trap that is tightening thanks to decades of failure to build enough affordable homes and the impact of welfare cuts.

“As this crisis continues to unfold, the work of our frontline services remains absolutely critical. We will do all we can to make sure no-one is left to fight homelessness on their own.”

The Shelter survey found homelessness across Britain has risen by 13,000 in the past year, with 300,000 people now classified as homeless.

Newham was the worst-affected area in England, where one in 25 people do not have a permanent home, followed by Haringey, where the figure stands at one in 29.

Of the 20 local authority areas with the highest rates of homelessness, 18 were in London, while Luton and Brighton also featured.