Fewer homeless people are having to stay in bed and breakfasts

Council watchdogs say social services bosses in Bournemouth, Dorset, have made a "considerable achievement".

Audit Commission inspectors have given the efforts to keep the homeless off the streets a "good", two-star rating.

But they say the council needs to improve how it keeps its clients informed and happy with the service.

We are not going to become complacent Councillor Andrew Garratt

The commission concluded that the service had uncertain prospects but did have a "track record of delivering improvements".

Councillor Andrew Garratt, the council's community relations boss, said: "We are pleased that the significant reduction in the number of people being accommodated in B&Bs, especially families, has been recognised by the Audit Commission.

"However, we are not going to become complacent.

"We are clear on what we want to achieve for homeless people and are continually working towards achieving a three-star rating."

There were more than 200 households in bed and breakfasts in 2004 which has been reduced to a current average of 20.