Generation homeless: Shocking scale of child homelessness in Bolton revealed

The figure of 128 is the equivalent of one for every mainstream state-school in the borough.

Government statistics showed that one in 556 of Bolton's 71,115 young people aged under 18 did not have a permanent place of residence.

This is the sixth highest ratio in the North-West below Manchester (one in 47), Salford (one in 378), Tameside (one in 384) , Liverpool (one in 467) and Rochdale (one in 547).

Housing charity Shelter today 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 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.

Shelter is warns that 396 children across the North West will be made homeless by Christmas day.

A spokesman for Bolton Council said: "As a council, we are committed to preventing homelessness. We work closely with local partners to provide a range of services to support families and young people experiencing difficulties.

“Providers such as BackUp deliver support for young people in Bolton, helping them access a range of accommodation that caters for varying needs.

“Residents staying in supported accommodation are visited regularly by a key worker and can include daily support from staff on site.”

Shelter Manchester hub manager, John 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.

“Day in, day out we see the devastating impact the housing emergency is having on children across the region."

Shelter is asking people to donate to its Christmas appeal.