No B&Bs for homeless 16 and 17-year-olds in future

The government today pledged to end the use of bed and breakfast accommodation to house homeless 16 and 17-year-olds by 2010.

Communities and local government minister Ruth Kelly made the announcement in her first major speech on homelessness, in the week that marks the 40th anniversary of landmark BBC drama Cathy Come Home.

Kelly unveiled a £74 million package of measures including supported lodgings schemes, providing foster-style accommodation for homeless young people, in order to reduce demand on B&Bs.