THE number of children homeless in Oldham is ‘scandalous’ says housing charity Shelter.

John Ryan, its Manchester hub manager, spoke out as it revealed new government figures which showed that 97 under-18s in the borough were living in temporary accommodation in March.

Government statistics showed that one in 643 of Oldham’s 45,253 young people aged under 18 did not have a permanent residence.

This is the eighth highest ratio in the North-West well below Manchester (one in 47) and Salford (one in 378).

Shelter’s statistics followed the revelation last month at Oldham’s full council meeting that there were 146 families in temporary accommodation - more than double the figure for last year.

Housing charity Shelter this week published the figures showed that on March 31 there were 4,150 children in the North-West homeless and living in temporary accommodation: a 385 per cent rise in five years.

Its Generation Homeless report reveals 18 children lose their home every day in the North West.

The document also revealed that 290 families with children in the region were living in emergency bed and breakfast and hostel accommodation – widely considered the most unsuitable - an increase of 339 per cent.

Mr Ryan said: “The fact 18 children in the North West become homeless every day is a scandalous figure, and sharp reminder that political promises about tackling homelessness must be turned into real action.”

Oldham Council’s deputy chief executive Helen Lockwood, Deputy Chief Executive said: “It’s not acceptable that in this day and age families find themselves homeless. We are working to address these issues by increasing the amount of self-contained temporary accommodation to ensure families are not forced to live in bed and breakfast accommodation for extended periods.”

Shelter is asking people to donate to its Christmas appeal.