Homeless Families in B&B Accommodation up by 44%

The number of homeless families put up by councils in bed and breakfast accommodation has risen by almost half, according to an analysis of official figures. The rise comes after ministers warned 20 councils not to house families in B&Bs for six weeks or more.  The National Housing Federation found that between January and March 2011 there were 2,750 families nationwide living in B&Bs. In the same period in 2012 this had risen to 3,960, an increase of 44%.  The federation also says the number of homeless families is increasing, pushing up demand for "emergency temporary accommodation" (B&Bs). In the past two years, the number of households accepted as homeless has risen by 10,000 to 50,290. Because of the shortage of affordable properties for low-income people, many are being exported out of London. According to Westminster, "in the last month we have secured properties in Hemel Hempstead, Bletchley, Maidstone and Grays" to house the homeless.  Read more on the Guardian website.