USING bed and breakfasts to house homeless people in Greenwich is to stop, according to the council.

Greenwich Council says it will only use B&Bs in extreme circumstances as part of a review of its homelessness service and strategy to address homelessness.

Due to a shortage of accommodation throughout last year, 90 households were living in B&Bs in November, but by the end of the year all had been re-housed into longer-term accommodation.

Greenwich needs an additional 350 homes and will try to increase housing options by using partnerships with registered social landlords, re-housing people to other areas of the country, and working with the private rental sector.

Cabinet member for tenancy services Councillor Angela Cornforth said: "The pressure is still on as there is great demand for council housing but we are determined to explore all options to avoid the use of B&B accommodation."

January 27, 2003 18:30