Luton has one of the highest homelessness rates in England, new estimates suggest.

New research from homelessness charity Shelter shows more than 382,000 people in England, including over 175,000 children, will spend this Christmas without a home.

The charity said a shortage of social homes, unaffordable private rents and the housing benefit freeze are pushing more people into homelessness.

Using data from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, Shelter's analysis reveals some 3,710 people were homeless in Luton as of June, which corresponds to one in 64 people in the area.

A homeless person outside Victoria Station. Picture: Victoria Jones/PA

placeholder image — A homeless person outside Victoria Station. Picture: Victoria Jones/PA

It means the local authority had one of the the highest homelessness rates in England.

Of the homeless people in Luton, around 3,674 were living in temporary accommodation, while the charity estimates 36 were sleeping on the streets based on Autumn 2024 data.

Shelter estimates 382,618 people in England, including 175,025 children, will spend this Christmas homeless.

The charity's analysis shows one in every 153 people nationwide does not have a home, which Shelter said "reflects sharp rises in the number of people sleeping rough and record numbers of families with children forced to live in temporary accommodation".

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government announced on Wednesday evening a new cross-government plan towards ending rough sleeping and homelessness.

The new strategy pledges to halve the number of long-term rough sleepers, end the unlawful use of B&Bs as temporary accommodation for more than six weeks for families and prevent thousands more households from becoming homeless, and will be backed by a £3.5 billion investment over the next three years.

Sarah Elliott, chief executive of Shelter, said: "With more than 382,000 people homeless today, the Government is doing the right thing by giving this scandal the attention it deserves.”

Housing Secretary Steve Reed said: "Homelessness is one of the most profound challenges we face as a society, because at the heart, it’s about people.

"Families deserve stability, children need a safe place to grow, and individuals simply want the dignity of a home.

"Through our new strategy we can build a future where homelessness is rare, brief, and not repeated. With record investment, new duties on public services, and a relentless focus on accountability, we will turn ambition into reality."