Barking and Dagenham Council is actively working to reduce the number of families housed in bed and breakfast (B&B) accommodation, particularly those staying for extended periods. The Overview and Scrutiny Committee heard that while overall numbers in temporary accommodation have decreased, a notable spike in families residing in B&Bs occurred in October 2025. This surge was primarily attributed to an outflow of Private Sector Leased (PSL) properties.
In response to this challenge, the council has implemented measures to address the situation. These include enhancing payments to PSL property suppliers and exploring the use of self-contained properties as an alternative first placement for families. The meeting information clarified that 'extended periods' for families with children or pregnant women in B&B accommodation is defined as more than six weeks, as it is unlawful to keep such households in B&Bs for longer than this timeframe.
Following these interventions, the number of families in B&B accommodation has since reduced. The council has also reported a virtual elimination of unlawful placements, meaning families are no longer being housed in B&Bs for over six weeks.
A comprehensive strategy report detailing the future of temporary accommodation is scheduled to be presented to the Cabinet in April 2026. Alongside these efforts, the council is placing a strong emphasis on homelessness prevention. By the end of January 2026, 259 households had been successfully prevented from becoming homeless, exceeding the annual target of 260.
