National statistics show that there are 1,930 households in temporary accommodation in the region in December last year - this compares to a recent peak of 3,030 households under two years ago.
The number of households in temporary accommodation in England has dipped below 90,000 for the first time since 2003 at 89,510 households. The figures also show that 1,410 new households became homeless in the East Midlands during October to December last year.
Welcoming the news, Housing Minister Yvette Cooper said:
"Ten years ago we committed to reducing the worst forms of homelessness. We have successfully reduced rough sleeping by more than two thirds and families with children no longer live long-term in bed and breakfast hostels. Despite today's housing pressures these new figures show that we are seeing real achievements in tackling and preventing homelessness in the East Midlands.
"But we now face new challenges and need new solutions. Last week I announced how we are going to support young people who find themselves without a home. It is innovative schemes like supported lodgings that are going to help us continue to see reductions in homelessness like we've seen today."
Since 2003 local authorities (LAs) have had strategies in place to prevent and tackle homelessness. By 2008 the government will have invested £300m in prevention services such as rent deposit schemes and mediation services. LAs and voluntary organisations have been allocated a total of £63.6m in homelessness grants this year for homelessness prevention work.
