Extra 40,000 people in England homeless this Christmas, says charity

Research by Shelter finds 309,000 people set to spend festive season in a tiny hostel room or freezing doorway' after rise in rough sleeping

Nearly 40,000 more people than last year are expected to spend this Christmas homeless, in a sign that England's housing emergency is out of control, according to the charity Shelter.

The 14% increase in people spending the festive season in hotels, B&Bs and other temporary accommodation emerged from official figures and freedom of information requests.