£1.9M end to B&B split between 7 councils

Communities minister Don Foster said yesterday that the money must be used to reduce the number of families unlawfully stuck in this accommodation and he requested councils develop new measures to make sure the situation doesn’t arise again.

Housing minister Mark Prisk called on all councils to reduce the number of families stuck in bed and breakfast accommodation in June this year.

Communities minister Don Foster said after the announcement yesterday: ‘Today’s £1.9 million funding will help to get families across the country out of bed and breakfast accommodation and into stable homes.

‘But this isn’t just a short term fix about cutting numbers – I want these councils to find long-term solutions to homelessness in their areas. They have a legal duty to help these families, and with this funding I expect them to ensure that no family need ever be stuck in this unsuitable accommodation for weeks on end.’

By law, families may only be placed in bed and breakfast accommodation as a last resort for no more than 6 weeks. But figures released recently highlight a variation in the way councils help homeless people, with only 15 councils accounting for nearly 80 per cent of all families living in bed and breakfast accommodation for more than 6 weeks.

Barking and Dagenham Council will receive £300,000 to improve its system for placing people in rented accommodation and offer money management advice to tenants, Birmingham Council will receive £297,500 to run a health and financial support service to help at risk families and Crawley Council will receive £299,150 to run a long-term private rental scheme.

The other councils to receive funds will be Croydon, £265,166, Hounslow, £300,000, Redbridge, £175,000, and Westminster, £280,000.

These councils will share any lessons learned across the country.