22 March 2002
Although the number of families in bed and breakfast in December 2001 fell to 12,110 (down by 180 or 1% from September), the figure is still 2,250, or 23%, higher than a year earlier.
Meanwhile, the total number of households classified as homeless by local authorities rose by 680 to 78,620, compared with September. During the final quarter of 2001, councils accepted 28,260 households as eligible for assistance – down by 9% on the previous quarter but up by 3% on the same period in 2000.
The figures were announced on March 14, a day after the government had unveiled a new £125m strategy for tackling homelessness. Housing benefit regulations will be changed so subsidy rates encourage councils to use alternatives to bed and breakfast, including privately rented, self-contained accommodation.
Secretary of state Stephen Byers pledged that by March 2004, no homeless family with children should be living in B&B hotels, except in emergencies.
PFmar2002
