I’ll be homeless for Christmas, says Shapps

Opposition housing spokesman, Grant Shapps, has been seen scouting the streets near the House of Commons, according to The Times.

Mr Shapps plans to spend Christmas Eve on the streets of London, sleeping rough. He wants to call attention to the plight of homeless people. He has also released a report today highlighting the “dismal record” of the Government on this matter.

The report, entitled “There’s No Place Like Home” shows that more than 130,000 children will be homeless this Christmas, and that the number of homeless children has seen a “staggering” increase of 128% since 1997.

Mr Shapps said: “These children are being forgotten and left behind. Lack of permanent accommodation can have a grave impact on a child’s health and development with devastating consequences.”

I say good luck! These figures represent a systemic failure on the part of the Government in protecting our children and anything that can raise awareness of their dreadful plight can only be welcomed.