The number of families registered homeless in Scotland has risen by 10% in the last year, according to statistics.

The Scottish Executive figures reveal there are now 4,400 households without a permanent home, up from 4,000 in 2001.

The figures come the day before the executive's Homelessness Bill gets its first reading.

Social Justice Minister Margaret Curran said she was concerned about the number of families who were still being accommodated temporarily in bed and breakfast.

"We know this is not appropriate accommodation for children, and I am pleased to note that more than half of Scotland's local authorities have one or no families accommodated in B&Bs," she said.

Homelessness statistics

Number of families in temporary accommodation has risen by 10% from 4,002 to 4,419 in 2001 Number of families with children in temporary accommodation has risen by 7% from 1,405 to 1,506 The total number of families with children living in bed and breakfasts has risen by 19% from 88 to 105

"Only six authorities had more than six families living in bed and breakfast at the end of June 2002, but even that small number is unacceptable in 21st century Scotland.

"We will be working closely with these authorities as they develop their homelessness strategies to ensure that this is addressed.

"The Scottish Executive is determined to eradicate homelessness in Scotland."

Scottish National Party leader John Swinney accused the executive of running out of ideas.

Mr Swinney said: "Hundreds of children will be spending Christmas in bed and breakfasts, hostels and temporary accommodation and the numbers are rising sharply.

"In one year, this executive allowed the number of families with kids forced to live in B&Bs to jump by almost 20%, and the total number living in temporary accommodation has gone up by 10%."

The homeless charity Shelter has called for more funding for councils to allow them to build more houses.