Homeless numbers have risen across the UK

Liberal Democrats for a halt on placing the homeless in guest houses and hotels and Plaid Cymru urged major investment in social housing.

Charity Shelter Cymru believes the high cost of home-buying and the lack of affordable rented accommodation have contributed to the rise.

The assembly government is to review its national homelessness strategy.

I am not convinced that local councils are investing in facilities to deal with it Liberal Democrat Peter Black AM

The 2003/4 figures showed that there were 9,147 households in Wales accepted as homeless.

Within that total 4,324 (47%) contained dependent children or a pregnant member.

A total of 3,606 (40%)were homeless because one person was classed as vulnerable for social reasons including domestic violence, that they were aged 16-17, or were former prisoners.

The remaining 1,217 (13%) were classed as vulnerable because of old age or disability.

The number of homeless families living temporarily in bed and breakfasts (B & Bs)has more than doubled.

Homelessness in Wales 2003/4 Homeless households: 9,147 Number in temporary accommodation, March 2004: 2,890 Number in temporary accommodation, March 2003: 1,492

There were 2,890 families in temporary accommodation in March 2004, compared with 1,492 a year earlier. Of these, 691 were living in B & Bs, an increase from 302 in March 2003.

Some 2,500 families (27 %)were homeless because either parents or other relatives would or could no longer house them

A further 2,220 (24 %)were homeless because of a relationship breakdown.

The Liberal Democrats called on the Welsh Assembly Government to end the practice of housing the homeless in guest houses and hotels.

There has been an increase of 31% in official homelessness in the past year.

'Massive investment'

Welsh Lib Dem social justice spokesman Peter Black said 40,000 people had presented themselves to local councils for help.

In addition, there had been a 121% increase in the use of bed and breakfast accommodation.

"Most of the causes of this increase in homelessness are economic, specifically rising house prices, and a shortage of social housing," Mr Black said.

"However, I am not convinced that local councils are investing in facilities to deal with it, whilst the assembly government is failing to provide the resources needed to build new homes.

"Part of that investment must be to ensure that, when somebody comes to their local council for assistance, there is suitable temporary accommodation available to house them until more permanent arrangements can be made."

Mr Black said unsuitable accommodation caused strains on relationships.

Assembly social justice minister, Edwina Hart, said the rise in homelessness was a UK-wide phenomenon related to rising property prices which the assembly recognised.

She pointed out the assembly had increased the range of homeless people local authorities had a duty to house, including 16 and 17-year-olds, 18 to 20 year-olds formerly in care, those vulnerable because of domestic violence and ex-military staff or former prisoners.

It is estimated that �3bn is needed to bring every home in Wales up to a decent standard Leanne Wood

"[We have] adopted a National Homelessness Strategy for Wales, which we are currently reviewing.

"The strategy sets out how we will work with local and national organisations to prevent homelessness and ensure that those who become homeless can be securely resettled.

"I have also increased the funding by over 40% for our homelessness grants programme, to support front-line projects helping people who have lost or may lose their home."

She added she was concerned at the number of families in bed and breakfast accommodation and was looking at the need for additional investment in social housing.

Plaid Cymru social justice spokeswoman Leanne Wood said: "We need a massive investment into social housing.

"It is estimated that �3bn is needed to bring every home in Wales up to a decent standard."

A recent report from the homelessness charity, Crisis, said the problem was costing the UK millions of pounds.

The organisation said the number of people without their own homes equalled the size of the population of Manchester.