News

The number of families living in bed and breakfast accommodation in Scotland has increased by more than a quarter over the past year. More than 100,000 children are now classed as homeless, according to homeless charity Shelter.

The charity has based its estimates on the latest government figures, which show that a record 74,329 households are housed in temporary accommodation and that one in seven of those are in B&Bs.

The charity hopes the use of B&Bs will be reduced by the Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions' new bed and breakfast unit, which starts providing advice and support to local authorities this month. Concern at threats by some authorities to separate children from their parents when the family is declared intentionally homeless has led Shelter Scotland to review the relevant legislation.

It has recommended that local authorities recognise all homeless children and children in poor housing as being "in need", and that permanent housing should be provided to all homeless children in families.

n Housing Homeless Families with Children and the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 from Shelter Scotland 0131 473 7190