Homeless figures show B&B use rise

The number of homeless families forced to live in bed and breakfasts (B&Bs) has risen dramatically over the past year, according to research by affordable housing campaigners.

Between January and March this year there were 3,960 families living in B&Bs, up almost half from 2,750 during the same period in 2011, the National Housing Federation found. The increase comes as rising homelessness puts pressure on other more suitable forms of temporary accommodation, such as houses and flats held by local authorities and housing associations.%VIRTUAL-SkimlinksPromo%