More than 128,000 children are now homeless in Britain

Polly Neate, CEO of Shelter said: 'Today’s figures are a tragic reminder of the sheer scale of the homelessness crisis in this country. The fact that more than 128,000 children in Britain will be homeless on Christmas morning is unforgiveable.

'While most of us are looking forward to Christmas at home, many of these families will wake up in a cramped and dingy hostel room. What is worse, a chronic lack of genuinely affordable homes coupled with crippling welfare cuts means they have no idea how long they will be stuck there for.

'No child should have to spend Christmas without a home. Our frontline advisers will continue to work tirelessly, including on Christmas day, to help more families fighting homelessness. But we can’t do this alone. That’s why we’re asking the public to donate to our urgent appeal.'