Drive to help homeless reduces need for B&Bs

A drive to help the homeless in Shropshire has seen a fall in the need to use B&Bs as temporary accommodation, according to a new report from the county council.

The local authority's housing service said it had more than halved the number of households using B&Bs and was now providing increased access to more suitable temporary housing.

A report due before the council's cabinet next week said 40 households required B&B placements between October to December 2025, down from 100 in the previous three months, and below the target of 60.

James Owen, cabinet member for housing and leisure, said it was an "outstanding achievement" delivering "real results for residents".

At its height, the council's use of B&Bs was at 200, with an average stay costing £70 per night.

The council now has four temporary accommodation in-house schemes, offering more than 100 beds for individuals, the report said.

Owen said: "Our new temporary accommodation schemes are already making a real difference providing not just a roof over people's heads, but the stability and support they need to move forward positively."

He added: "The council will continue to focus on and increase its homelessness prevention offer.

"However, the focus of the housing team will also look at working with our social housing providers and increasing the support available for moving on, ensuring vulnerable individuals and households are better prepared to move into their own properties after they have had a stay in temporary accommodation."

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