Rise in number of families in bed and breakfast

New figures published by the Scottish executive show an increase
in the numbers of families with children who were housed in bed and
breakfast accommodation last year, writes Maggie
Wood.
 
Latest figures show that in September last year 8 per cent of
families with children housed in temporary accommodation in
Scotland were placed in bed and breakfast accommodation, 148
families in all. In June 2001, the figure was six per cent or 88
families.

The executive has previously issued guidance to local
authorities that strategies to tackle homelessness should include
proposals to eliminate the use of B&Bs for families.

In the light of these recent figures, minister for communities
Margaret Curran announced the launch of a consultation exercise to
seek the views of local authorities and interest groups as to what
is considered suitable temporary accommodation for children.

Curran said that she was concerned at the number of children
living in “inappropriate” bed and breakfast
accommodation, despite the executive making it clear to local
authorities that they were expected to end the practice.

A spokesperson from Children Ist in Scotland said that bed and
breakfast accommodation is only suited to temporary lodging, and
that living in such an environment is both unsettling and unsafe
for children.