Hardest-hit families at risk of homelessness, warns Barnardos

The children's charity said there had been an increase of more than 20% in its waiting lists over the past 12 months, on top of a 40% rise that occurred during 2020 after Covid hit.

Barnardos has warned that families hardest hit by the cost-of-living crisis may end up in homelessness unless they immediately get adequate support services. However, the charity says it is struggling to provide the assistance needed due to growing waiting lists. 

The children's charity said there had been an increase of more than 20% in its waiting lists over the past 12 months, on top of a 40% rise that occurred during 2020 after Covid hit.  It said it was now in a position where it faced having to choose which families to assist when it came to food or energy vouchers.