‘Homeless’ figures are moving on up

THE number of homeless Oldhamers is increasing in recent years as people struggle with tough economic times.

But the rate is slower than in other areas. A ne report shows the stark variations both nationally and within Greater Manchester.

The number of homeless households in England has risen by 13.88 per cent in the last year, and by quarter in the last three years.

Across Oldham, numbers rose from 61 in 2010/11 to 66 this year — an increase of 8.2 per cent, significantly below the England average. Over three years there was a drop of 8.33 per cent in Oldham compared with a 25.66 per cent increase nationally.

Other parts of Greater Manchester saw a massive increase in homeless households — a 163.16 per cent increase in Rochdale and 95.74 per cent hike in Tameside. Numbers increased by 4.49 per cent across the North-West as a whole.

Homelessness is defined as in priority need of housing and accepted as homeless by the local authority.