NHF: We need more affordable homes

The National Housing Federation (NHF) has described measures to support young homeless people as "a positive step", but said affordable accommodation was the only option for many vulnerable youngsters.

"Supported lodging with mediation is great for the young people who are able to benefit from it," said policy leader Fahmeeda Gill.

"But for many young people, family breakdown is irreconcilable – especially when they have suffered violence or abuse."

Ms Gill called for more hostels to provide refuge for young homeless people, "and we are glad to see Ruth Kelly's commitment to providing them".

"But we also need better move-on accommodation," she added.

"These young people don't want to end up in a B&B, they want a decent affordable home, and these are in increasingly short supply."

The NHF urged the government to make a "wider commitment" to ending the "acute affordable housing shortages", and hoped other organisations would help construct a "truly comprehensive package of support for young people".