Homelessness
6.34 Local Authority data submitted to the DCLG suggests that homelessness continues to be a problem in the South West. There were 7,820 households accepted as homeless in the South West during 2005/06. While this represents a decrease in homeless households by approximately 12% since 1991, it is part of a fluctuating trend.
6.35 Since 1991/92 the difference between the proportions of homeless households recorded in the region and in England as a whole has narrowed sharply. The rate (per 1,000 households) for the South West was below the England average during 2005/06 (4.5 compared to 3.7 respectively).
6.36 There are no national or regional figures on the number of single homeless people, but 5,984 single homeless people contacted Shelter's South West Region Housing Advice Centre for help during 2004/05. The number of calls to Shelter's National Helpline that originated in the South West was 912 in 2004/05.
6.37 It is important to note the difference between 'homeless' and 'priority need'. Priority need is defined as 'those households with dependent children or a pregnant woman, and people who are vulnerable through, for example, mental illness or physical disability. It does not include individuals who do not seek help from their Local Authority; this includes many single people and childless couples. As at March 2006, 6,360 Statutory Homeless Households were housed in temporary accommodation.