Nearly 70 per cent more homeless people in Colchester were put in bed and breakfast accommodation in the past year than in the previous one

Colchester Council has been given £120,000 in Government funding to try and reduce the number of people living in bed and breakfast accommodation.

Severe shortages in social housing has meant homeless families are spending more and more time in short-term accommodation before being offered a permanent home.

The shortage of suitable accommodation has meant the council has become increasingly dependent on bed and breakfast accommodation.

The number of homeless households put into bed and breakfast rose by 66 per cent in the year leading up to April 2002 than in the previous year.

Phil Harris, housing strategy manager, said bed and breakfast was only meant to be used as a last resort.

Last year, 377 households were put into bed and breakfast accommodation at a net cost of £475,000.

Cash spent on bed and breakfast accommodation spiralled since 1996-1997, when the annual bill was £89,000.

The issues will be raised at the council's economic prosperity and tackling deprivation panel meeting at the Town Hall on Tuesday at 6pm.

Published Monday August 19, 2002

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