Big rise in Scots families living in B&Bs

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