Nursery World - Ban on long-term B&B for families

Councils in England are to be banned from placing homeless families in bed and breakfast accommodation for more than six weeks. The ban, which comes into force from next April, is the result of new legislation under the Housing Act 1996. Last week housing minister Yvette Cooper said it meant the end of long-term use of bed and breakfast accommodation as 'temporary accommodation for homeless families with children or where a member of the household is pregnant'.

The ban, which comes into force from next April, is the result of new legislation under the Housing Act 1996. Last week housing minister Yvette Cooper said it meant the end of long-term use of bed and breakfast accommodation as 'temporary accommodation for homeless families with children or where a member of the household is pregnant'.

She added, 'The Government believes it is simply unacceptable that homeless families with children should spend long periods of time in unsuitable conditions with little room to play, exercise, make friends or do their homework. It puts them at a disadvantage from a young age and is one of the worst manifestations of social exclusion.'

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included