Lib Dems Slam Slack Approach to Homeless Problem

Lib Dems on Bedford Borough Council have slammed the council over its failure to deal with the growing homeless problem in the Borough. Latest figures show that there are currently 27 households in Bedford being housed in Bed and Breakfast accommodation.

Following months of calls from the Liberal Democrats to secure extra emergency temporary housing in order to ease the problem, the council has finally acknowledged how serious the problem is.

Commenting on the latest report into the Homeless situation Lib Dem group leader Michael Headley said:

"This is utterly outrageous. We have been calling for months for the council to make it a priority to eradicate the need for Bed and Breakfast by providing more temporary accommodation. It takes months to get the accommodation up and running and every day wasted without making a start is another day someone has to spend in Bed and Breakfast. Now we have the situation that a third of all homeless households needing temporary help are forced to put up with Bed and Breakfast accommodation. This is completely unacceptable."

He added:

"Now that a shortfall has been identified we will have to wait when this should have been addressed when we first raised it, months ago."

Details contained within the report highlight the need for further research into the options available to increase the provision for homeless households with possible suggestions including the use of mobile homes and encouraging more effective use of housing stock. The report is due to be discussed at the next Executive Committee meeting on the 4th September.