Shropshire Council cuts B&B accommodation use for homeless households
Report highlights successful homelessness prevention and new housing initiatives
Shropshire Council has successfully reduced the number of households needing B&B accommodation, showcasing effective homelessness prevention measures and expanded temporary housing options.
According to a report set to be presented at the Cabinet meeting on 11th February 2026, the council's housing service has more than halved B&B placements in a single quarter, with just 40 households needing such accommodation in Quarter 3, compared to 100 in Quarter 2.
The drop is well below the council's target of 60 placements, demonstrating strengthened efforts in addressing homelessness.
Historically, the council's use of B&B accommodations reached up to 200 households.
These reductions allow significant cost savings, with nightly B&B stays averaging £70, and present improved housing alternatives for vulnerable residents.
Shropshire Council's initiatives include earlier intervention and the expansion of support services for at-risk households.
In collaboration with STaR Housing, the council introduced four new in-house temporary accommodation schemes, adding over 100 bedspaces for single individuals.
These schemes provide stable short-term housing and on-site support, including access to various agencies and essential living skills.
The comprehensive approach aims to enhance long-term outcomes for individuals while alleviating financial pressures on the council.
Council member for housing and leisure, James Owen, praised the achievements:
“This is an outstanding achievement and a clear sign that our focused prevention work is delivering real results for residents."
The council plans to further its homelessness prevention efforts, while collaborating with social housing providers and enhancing support systems for transitioning out of temporary accommodation.