The percentage of people who could be made homeless in Bolton has increased by almost a third, according to new Government stats. 

Recent Department for Levelling up, Housing, and Communities data has revealed that 2298 people were deemed as in need of help to stop or prevent homelessness in Bolton from 2022-23, up from 1783 between 2021-22. 

This is an increase of 28.9 per cent

The overall number of assessments rose from 1851 in 21-22 to 2523 in 22-23, an increase of 36.3 per cent. 

Billa Ahmed, Co-founder of Bolton charity Homeless Aid UK, said: "What is really happening right now is, especially this year a lot of younger people between the ages of 16 and 25 at the risk of being homeless or presenting as being homeless. 

"In our position at the moment, a lot more families are at risk. 

"People are applying, but there are not a lot of homes, and the situation is only going to get worse. 

"People in temporary accommodation are not moving on, being stuck there for months." 

He added: "There is a lot more pressure on youth and families. We are seeing a massive rise in people using services, food banks - people are really struggling at the moment. 

"We need more affordable homes. All these properties being put up, I don't think people who are homeless are going to be put in those, they are more for people working. 

"You also look at the number of homes not being used that are empty. There are empty properties where people haven't lived for quite some time. 

"Whatever the reason, whether the homes need repairs, we need them so people can move in." 

Homeless Aid UK is dedicated to ending homelessness in Bolton and across the country. 

They deliver services including a food bank, as well as supplying food hampers and clothing to the 'growing number of people' living in poverty. 

Billa added: "There are people suffering with domestic violence, increasing child abuse, an increase in parents throwing their children out, people unwell with mental health issues. 

"All of this factors into making people homeless and them ending up on the streets. 

"The cost of living crisis is still going on in the background as well. 

"Bolton Council are doing an amazing job, but if there are no properties, what do they do, where do they put people? The Government needs to do something."