The District Councils Network has published new findings showing that 76% of councils have seen a rise in landlords selling properties or converting them into Airbnb lets.
They say this has led to an increase in housing waiting lists, more people losing their homes, and that it has become harder to find permanent homes for people in need.
Responding to the findings Jon Sparkes, Crisis Chief Executive, said: “This research once again exposes the desperate need for the government to build more affordable housing if we’re going to rid our society of homelessness and its devastating impact.
“At the sharp end of these findings are people who’ve found themselves back on the street after the pandemic brought them temporary relief, others trying to hold down a job while they move from one sofa to the next while others will be looking at their rising bills and depleting wages and wondering how they’re going to heat their homes and pay the rent. No one should have to live like this.
“If we are going to truly break the cycle of homelessness then the Westminster government must set out a clear strategy on how they are going to end it for good. Within this must be clear commitments to reinvest in housing benefit so it once again covers the true cost of rent, alongside plans to build the social homes we need so that people can have a secure home of their own.”