Fewer Homeless Young People In 'Bed And Breakfast'

National figures just released have show that the number of vulnerable young 16 and 17-year-olds being housed in 'bed and breakfast' accommodation has fallen by 40% over the last year.

The number of 16 and 17-year-olds living alone in bed and breakfast accommodation also fell from 550 to 330 during 2008 as a result of a range of measures the Government has introduced.

These included a new national supported lodgings scheme and improved access to family mediation for young people at risk of homelessness to help them stay at home with their families where possible.

Where staying in the family home is no longer an option, funding has created of a new national supported lodgings development scheme to provide accommodation, advice and mediation services for young people to get their lives back on track.

Homelessness Minister Iain Wright said: "Young people at risk of becoming homeless are some of the most vulnerable in society and simply parking these young people in bed and breakfast accommodation without ensuring they have the skills or confidence for independent living just isn't good enough.

"That is why we have committed to ending the long term use of bed and breakfast for 16 and 17-year-olds by 2010, replacing it with supported lodgings and high quality emergency accommodation, with skilled staff and family mediation.

"But most importantly, we're providing young people and their families with support to prevent young people becoming homeless in the first place - giving them the chance to lead independent and successful lives."

Statistics also released today show the number of households in temporary accommodation has fallen for the 13th consecutive quarter, down to 67,480 - the lowest level since 2000. Homeless acceptances have also dropped, by 21% compared to the same period last year, and by 62% compared to 2003, to a low of 12,070.

(JM/BMcC)