Title

WHITEHALL

B&B housing figures increase by more than a third

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

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.

WHITEHALL

New politics, new tensions

By Rob Whiteman | 02 September 2025

As Reform UK gathers this week for its annual conference, Rob Whiteman argues that with the party gaining control of some councils, local government must sup...

WHITEHALL

After the 'asylum hotels' injunction

By Victoria Searle | 02 September 2025

As the pressures facing local authorities in housing vulnerable people are brought to life in the ‘asylum hotel’ legal case in Epping Forest, Victoria Searle...

WHITEHALL

Solutions to stop homelessness

By Jack Shaw | 02 September 2025

Some councils are exploring more innovative ways of delivering the sustainable use of temporary accommodation, including through prevention, Test, Learn and ...

WHITEHALL

Embracing Reform

By Ann McGauran | 02 September 2025

Stephen Atkinson speaks to Ann McGauran ahead of Reform UK’s conference this week about the value of the Local Government Association, scrutinising council f...

Dan Peters

Popular articles by Dan Peters