800% rise in families living in B&Bs – Media and blog round up: February 18th 2013

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800% rise in families living in B&Bs

“The number of homeless families living in B&Bs has jumped more than 800% in two years. Those staying in temporary accommodation in England for more than six weeks rose from 100 in October 2010 to 880 in December 2012, say the Government figures. Ex-Housing Minister Grant Shapps last year claimed the “vast majority of councils had no families in B&Bs”. Some councils are now spending up almost £2,000 each week on hotel bills.” – Mirror

“An analysis shows that local authorities across England are now spending on average up to £650 a week to keep people off the streets. Freedom of information requests by Labour to 325 councils, to which 242 responded, reveal that 125 had resorted to placing destitute families in hotel rooms for six weeks or more since April 2010. This figure challenges claims by ministers that only a “small number” of town halls put families in bed and breakfast accommodation beyond the legal limit.” – Guardian

Police to investigate Mid-Staffs

“Amid mounting political and public pressure, the force has decided to re-examine the evidence relating to the scandal. The police force is working with specialist prosecutors from the Crown Prosecution Service to examine possible charges. The new review will take evidence this week from families and campaign groups, and is due to report to senior officers and politicians in two weeks. The work is being led by a senior officer, Assistant Chief Constable Nick Baker.” – Telegraph

Other highlights

• Royal Mail faces privatisation – FT
• Doctors attack Tory candidate over state school comments – Guardian
• All good Tories should support a Mansion Tax – Tim Montgomerie, The Times
• What we can learn from George Galloway – Owen Jones, Independent