The number of people in emergency accommodation rose to 9,724 in October as more than 14,000 people signed a petition calling on the Minister for Housing to put a six-month cap on the use of B&Bs and hotels for children.

“Hidden” homelessness is hampering the development of thousands of children across the country, a group of charities has warned.

Campaign groups have claimed not enough is being done to tackle inequality and child poverty.