15 May 2003
Councils should be prohibited from placing families with children in bed and breakfast accommodation for more than six weeks, the government said this week.
New proposals on housing homeless people, published on May 13, reinforce the government's target that no families with children should be in B&Bs after next April, except in emergencies.
The consultation document also sets minimum standards for hotels and other temporary accommodation.
The number of families with children in B&Bs fell during the final quarter of 2002 from 6,700 to 5,600.
Social exclusion minister Barbara Roche said councils were making good progress, but the proposals would ensure that temporary accommodation is of an appropriate standard when it has to be used.
Improving standards of accommodation for homeless households also calls on local authorities to frame homelessness strategies so that households receive co-ordinated support from health, education and social services.
Consultations continue until August 5.
PFmay2003
