Cost-of-living crisis and evictions see surge in B&B housing

Figures reveal there were 411 families placed in B&Bs as a temporary housing measure in 2022.

The data obtained by the Daily Echo through a Freedom of Information request showed this was a 123 per cent year-on-year increase.

BCP Council said ‘no-fault’ evictions from private rental housing and family breakdowns due to the cost-of-living crisis was to blame for the rise.

The peak number of families in B&Bs across the conurbation was 48 in October.

It was confirmed that one family spent 206 days in this type of temporary accommodation last year.

Cllr Kieron Wilson, housing portfolio holder, said: “Homelessness can happen to anyone at any time and we are seeing an unprecedented demand in terms of those requiring support and advice, prevention action and emergency accommodation.

“Over the past year, sadly, we have seen a steady increase in homelessness demand in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) area, particularly from families.”

Cllr Wilson said nationally the number of households living in temporary housing was at its highest point in 20 years.

“It is BCP Council’s aim for family homelessness to be prevented in the first place,” he said. “We know how critical it is that families reach out for advice and support as early as possible.

Cllr Kieron Wilson (Image: BCP Council)

"Our housing options team do a fantastic job of preventing the need for emergency accommodation in many cases, but due to the level of demand and difficulty in accessing alternative accommodation options, this is becoming more challenging to avoid. If anyone is worried about their housing we would encourage people to engage with us as soon as they can.

“Temporary accommodation, and particularly bed and breakfast, is never appropriate for any family who become homeless. However, if this is needed, we will always ensure it’s of a high standard, provides dedicated support from our housing support team, and the family is provided with housing options to move-on as quickly as possible.”

BCP Council has several dedicated homes for families who are temporarily homeless, while additional stock is due to open in Herbert Avenue, Poole, later this year.

“Reducing the number of people in temporary accommodation is a key priority for myself and the new administration,” Cllr Wilson said.

Former housing portfolio holder Cllr Karen Rampton said families need to feel secure, cook nutritious food and get their children to school.

“It's genuinely heartbreaking to hear some of the stories from people who through no fault of their own have had to leave their homes,” Cllr Rampton said.

Cllr Karen Rampton (Image: BCP Council)

“I know the housing team do a fabulous job to help individuals, often in very frustrating circumstances, and there is no easy answer other than to build more homes in particular for family rental or shared ownership, and to encourage landlords to stay in the rental market, and to provide decent quality safe homes at a rent people can afford.

“BCP Council try very hard to support landlords and I would encourage them to engage with the housing team at an early stage if they are experiencing any concerns about a tenant or are considering leaving the market.”