Over 100 councils are illegally housing homeless teenagers in bed and breakfast accommodation, according to an investigation by BBC Newsnight.
A freedom of information request revealed that 119 councils had housed 16 and 17 year-olds in B&Bs during 2012, despite government guidance stating it is unacceptable to do so, even in emergencies.
A government spokesperson told The BBC: ‘The law is clear. Any lone, homeless child in need aged 16 and 17 should be taken into care. It is simply unacceptable for homeless children not to be referred to children’s services for an assessment.
‘The statutory guidance is clear that bed and breakfast is not suitable accommodation. Councils should review their local processes and practices to ensure they are meeting this statutory requirement.’
Out of the 208 councils that replied to the request, 871 young people were placed in bed and breakfasts.
Watch the Newsnight report on the BBC iPlayer.