§ Mr. Clifton-BrownTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many households living in bed-and-breakfast accommodation there were in the first quarter of(a) 1997 and (b) 2001; what plans he has to reduce this number; and what steps he is taking to ensure that this accommodation is of a reasonable standard. [13761]
§ Ms KeebleThere were 4,100 households in bed-and-breakfast accommodation at the end of the first quarter of 1997 and 10,830 in 2001. Over the next two years the newly established bed-and-breakfast unit will work with partners to reduce the need to place families in B and B. The unit will be hosting a conference on 20 November to consult on targets and actions for reducing B and B use.
Local authorities are required by law to ensure that any accommodation secured for people accepted as statutorily homeless is suitable. In considering whether accommodation is suitable, local authorities will need, among other factors, to have regard to whether it is of a reasonable standard. Statutory guidance issued by my Department also makes it clear that if authorities do have to use bed-and-breakfast accommodation they should ensure that the accommodation meets statutory standards for houses in multiple occupation.