Figures compiled by Shelter shows almost 6,000 youngsters have yet to be housed permanently

Nearly 6,000 children in the borough are living in temporary accommodation, one of the highest in London, figures have revealed.

The figure of 5,957 was the highest of the 29 out of 33 London boroughs that supplied information when asked by homeless and housing charity Shelter and is more than 1,000 higher than its nearest competitor.

The charity is highlighting the figures to launch its new campaign to raise awareness of the plight of homeless families this Christmas.

Of particular concern, it says is the increase in families forced to live in Bed & Breakfasts (B&B) in London, which has almost doubled in the last year.

It is estimated that across the capital around 1,500 will spend Christmas Day living in a B&B.

Campbell Robb, Shelter’s chief executive, said: “It’s easy to think of homelessness as single people sleeping rough. “The rising numbers of families who lose their home through no fault of their own often aren’t considered.

“For people with children, ’sofa surfing’ with friends just isn’t a realistic option.

“The main triggers for homelessness include relationship breakdowns, job losses and landlords ending their rental tenancies.”

For more information on Shelter go to http://england.shelter.org.uk/home