Southampton had 603 homeless households with children in the final weeks of the last Conservative Government.

The figures, released by Southampton Labour, come as homelessness across England rose 20 per cent during the last parliament.

Labour is now pledging more support, with an extra £10 million in emergency aid for rough sleepers.

READ MORE: Budget 2024: Southampton homeless charity 'really pleased'

Cllr Lorna Fielker, leader of Southampton City Council said: "Labour inherited a broken system that left far too many people – including, disgracefully, more than 100,000 children – without a home.

"Labour is fixing the foundations so we can Britain back on its feet, and communities like Southampton can thrive."

The chancellor announced in the budget an additional £233 million to tackle all forms of homelessness. This will bring the total spending on reducing homelessness to nearly £1 billion in 2025-26.

The funds will go towards preventing homelessness and helping people find stable housing.

This includes assisting those at risk of homelessness with paying deposits and negotiating with landlords.

She went on to say: “I want Southampton to be a city where everyone has a safe place to call home. I know this is a big challenge, but we are working hard with our partners to meet it.

"At the last count there were 24 people rough sleeping in the city.

"The money towards emergency support is particularly welcome as we will be able to do more to ensure they can access a safe and warm bed and access any support needed.”

In response to Labour's claims, Tory city councillor Jeremy Moulton said: “Cllr Fielker should focus on delivering in Southampton rather than on trying to score political points.

"Her Labour Council has utterly failed when it comes to delivering new homes, with 12 years wasted on the stalled regeneration of Townhill Park.

"She has hiked up Council Rents unnecessary and left hundreds of council homes empty for years; £18m has sat in the housing account unspent from right to buy sales receipts.

"Speaking of last Conservative Government, they had to bail her council administration out by £121m after Labour brought the council to edge of bankruptcy, admitting that they ‘don't do finance'.”