Limit on B&Bs for teenagers mooted

Councils could be told to stop placing homeless 16 and 17-year-olds in bed and breakfast accommodation for long periods.

It is believed that an updated homelessness code of guidance, expected this summer from the government, might limit the use of B&Bs for under-18s while they are waiting for permanent housing.

A Centrepoint spokesperson said it hoped the six-week rule, which limits the amount of time families with children can spend in B&B accommodation to six weeks, would be extended to 16 and 17-year-olds.

The code could also encourage councils to make greater use of the private rented sector.