The number of people accepted as homeless in England has soared by 14 per cent in the last year, government figures reveal. Figures from the Communities and Local Government department reveal:

• the biggest rise in nine years with 48,510 households being accepted as homeless in 2011 compared with 42,390 in 2010
• local authorities had returned to using bed-and-breakfast accommodation because of the shortage of suitable privately rented properties.

For details, go to the Communities and Local Government website.