The GLA estimated that 316 (40%) of the B&Bs used to house homeless people would not meet the standards, which are out for consultation for three months. Gill Lawton, GLA policy manager, said: "Some might not need big upgrades or could just limit the number of people they take in order to meet the standards; others will need greater changes."
Under the proposals, announced by Barbara Roche on Tuesday, minister for social exclusion and equality, B&Bs would have to conform to new standards on space, cooking and bath facilities and management.
Previously, government standards applied only to B&B hotels used as guesthouses.
The proposal extends existing standards to bed and breakfasts housing the homeless and introduces new rules on clear fire evacuation plans and placing bedrooms closer to bathrooms.
Councils are likely to be made responsible for inspecting the B&Bs. At present, most – but not all – councils inspect bed-and-breakfast accommodation before placing people in it.
Roche also called on councils to provide health, education and social services support for households in temporary homes.
Jim Bennett, policy manager for homelessness charity Shelter, welcomed the standards. He said: "The fact that the standards are being made clear should improve the situation."
Bennett did not think resources would be a big issue because councils with high B&B use had been given extra funding.
Richard Kemp, acting chair of the Local Government Association's housing executive, said he hoped this was the first step in the reform of temporary accommodation.
The LGA was lobbying for a licensing scheme for landlords of all types of accommodation, he added.
The government also reiterated its commitment that, by March 2004, families with children will only be placed in B&Bs in an emergency.
Source
Housing Today
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