The council says it has tackled the main causes of homelessness

Housing officials say they have not needed to place a family in a B&B for 12 months.

The council claims to be well ahead of the government's target of having no-one placed in B&Bs by March 2006.

Success is being attributed to efforts by the housing department to tackle the main causes of homelessness.

These include parental requests for children to move out of the family home, relationship breakdowns and short-term tenancies ending.

Mediation

Nicole Smith, housing needs manager, said: "Our role is not just about finding people somewhere to live when they become homeless.

"It's also about trying to prevent that homelessness from happening in the first place.

"Mediation can often solve the problems that lead to homelessness, as can detailed advice and guidance."

The Council is improving ways that tenants can access the housing advice service.