More households in Carlisle were estimated to be homeless at the start of this year, new figures show.

Homelessness charity Shelter said the time for “empty words” on housebuilding was long passed and called on the Government to act.

Across England, the homelessness figures hit an all-time high, with 79,840 households having faced homelessness in the first quarter of the year.

Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities figures show 92 households in Carlisle were estimated to be homeless and were owed a relief duty, which requires housing authorities to help them secure accommodation. This was up from 83 the year before.

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There were also 67 households threatened with homelessness and owed a prevention duty, 17 of whom faced losing their home after receiving a Section 21 notice to end an Assured Shorthold Tenancy.

There were 20 single parents and six couples with dependent children homeless in Carlisle between January and March.

In Carlisle, 1.8 per 100,000 people were estimated to be homeless. The national average currently stands at the same number.