The number of households living in B&B accommodation has shot up by more than a third in a year, new figures have revealed.

Official statistics published by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) showed the 13,780 households in B&Bs was 37% higher than last year.

Usage of B&Bs, which do not have private bathrooms or kitchens, has soared throughout the last decade despite guidance that thy should only be used as a ‘last resort'.

Households with dependent children are not supposed to be placed in B&Bs unless there is no alternative yet there has been a significant rise in numbers – from 1,300 at the end of 2021 to 3,930 at the end of March.

Of the households with children in B&Bs, 1,840 had been resident for more than the statutory limit of six weeks - up a huge 175% from 670 at the end of March 2022.

The Local Government Ombudsman has repeatedly warned councils that B&B accommodation is not suitable to house young homeless people - even in an emergency.

In October 2019, the Government hailed figures that showed since September 2017 – when it established its homelessness advice and support team (HAST) – the number of households with children resident in B&Bs for more than six weeks had fallen from 1,130 to 690.

Asked why the number of households with children in B&Bs for more than six weeks had since increased despite the continued work of the HAST, which provides support to help councils end the practice, a DLUHC spokesperson declined to comment.