Council expands temporary accommodation to cut B and B use

Birmingham City Council is increasing the supply of temporary accommodation for homeless families, as it tries to reduce its reliance on bed and breakfast hotels.

The council's cabinet has approved proposals to increase the supply of temporary homes, and the council has bought Washington Court, which it plans to use to house families in need. Work to prepare the building is expected to be completed in the second half of 2026.

Why B and Bs are a problem

Bed and breakfast accommodation is often the only option available at short notice, but it is widely seen as unsuitable for families. Rooms are often small, with shared bathrooms and little or no space to cook. By law, councils should not house families with children in B and Bs for more than six weeks, but many councils across the country have struggled to meet that limit.

Pressure across the Midlands

Thousands of households are living in temporary accommodation across the Midlands. Family-sized homes are in particularly short supply, and many households are placed in accommodation that lacks adequate space, privacy or cooking facilities, or are moved several times.

The cost

Temporary accommodation has become one of the fastest-growing costs for councils. Buying buildings and converting them can be cheaper in the long run than paying private providers night by night.

Why people become homeless

Common reasons include the end of a private tenancy, family breakdown, domestic abuse and rent arrears. The Renters' Rights Act, which ended no-fault evictions in May, is expected to reduce the number of families made homeless when their tenancy ends.

If you are at risk of homelessness

Anyone who is homeless or at risk of losing their home should contact the council's housing options service as early as possible. Councils have a duty to help prevent homelessness, and the earlier they are contacted the more options there are. Free advice is also available from Shelter.