The number of families with children living in bed and breakfast accommodation in England fell in the fourth quarter of 2002, new Government figures show. The total households in such accommodation at the end of December was 12,670, a fall of 630 households from September 2002 but a rise of 560 over the figure for December 2001. Families with children represent 44 per cent of all households in B&B, down from 50 per cent last quarter. Barbara Roche, minister for social exclusion and equality, said families with children having to live in B&B was 'unacceptable'. She said, 'Living in a single room affects a child's development if they do not have space to play or do their homework, and they often suffer from a poor diet because of shared cooking facilities.' The Government last year announced its commitment that by March 2004 no family with children should have to live in a B&B except in an emergency and for no more than six weeks.
The number of families with children living in bed and breakfast accommodation in England fell in the fourth quarter of 2002, new Government figures show. The total households in such accommodation at the end of December was 12,670, a fall of 630 households from September 2002 but a rise of 560 over the figure for December 2001. Families with children represent 44 per cent of all households in B&B, down from 50 per cent last quarter. Barbara Roche, minister for social exclusion and equality, said families with children having to live in B&B was 'unacceptable'. She said, 'Living in a single room affects a child's development if they do not have space to play or do their homework, and they often suffer from a poor diet because of shared cooking facilities.' The Government last year announced its commitment that by March 2004 no family with children should have to live in a B&B except in an emergency and for no more than six weeks.
