The number of children in Bed and Breakfasts (B&Bs) this Christmas has been cut by 90 per cent from last year.
BCP Council says it’s thanks to its partnership working to reduce homelessness and the need for emergency accommodation.
At present there are eight families and a total of 16 children in bed and breakfast accommodation locally.
On 25 December 2023 there were 84 families and 164 children.
The reduction is a result of BCP Council working together, alongside the Homelessness Partnership, to improve options for those at risk of becoming homeless.
Councillor Kieron Wilson, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Regulatory Services at BCP Council, pictured, said: “At the start of the year we set out to reduce and ultimately end our reliance on Bed and Breakfast accommodation.
“It is the most challenging form of accommodation to live in and families simply do not have the facilities or conditions to thrive.
“It is the last resort, and our dependence on it was costly to the mental health and welfare of those living in it.
“Knowing that instead of 164 children spending Christmas Day in a B&B room, as few as 16 will be, is a genuine source of pride for us.
“And whilst we believe that 16 children are 16 too many, it is over a 90 per cent reduction, in a context where the use of B&Bs nationally is rising instead of reducing.
“So, I can only thank all those involved in making this happen.
“It is however by no means the end of our work; it is only the beginning.
“We will continue with partners across the conurbation to support families and individuals at risk of homelessness, with our aim of giving everyone a safe place they can call home.”
BCP Council has also increased the number of council-owned properties through planned acquisitions, as well as continuing to work with in partnership with housing association partners to deliver long-term homes.