Homelessness has risen twice as fast among ethnic minorities compared to the general population.

A report published by Shelter entitled 'The Black and Minority Ethnic Housing Crisis' reveals that homelessness increased by 77 per cent among BME (black and minority ethnic) households compared to 34 per cent among the general population. Over 7,000 Indian/Pakistani/Bangladeshi households were homeless during 2003/04.

It also revealed that Ethnic minorities are disproportionately likely to suffer from poor housing and are seven times more likely to live in overcrowded conditions than white households.

People of Bangladeshi origin are particularly likely to suffer from overcrowding with over half of Bangladeshi children living in officially overcrowded conditions.

The report comes shortly after Shelter launched its nationwide red chair 'sit in' protest in 25 cities throughout the UK, designed at gathering widespread public support for its Million Children Campaign.

Adam Sampson, Director of Shelter, said, "The hidden housing crisis in Britain is having an immensely damaging effect on BME communities. For children who are already at serious risk of disadvantage, bad housing can have a devastating effect on their education, health and future prospects."

"More affordable housing is desperately needed, particularly family sized homes. This would help reduce the large numbers of ethnic minority households living in unfit, emergency and overcrowded conditions."

"Shelter's Million Children Campaign is calling for a government commitment to end bad housing for the next generation of children."