Britain is suffering a crisis of “hidden homelessness” with an unknown number of people living in shocking conditions in B&Bs and temporary accommodation, a study published today found.

An investigation by think tank the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) has revealed a catalogue of exploitation and deprivation faced by people who do not figure on official government homeless statistics.

It includes people locked out of premises from early morning until late evening, cash cards or benefits books “confiscated” by proprietors, people being required to work unpaid and those under threat of eviction.