THE number of families living in bed and breakfasts or temporary accommodation across Cheshire West has soared in the past year.

According to figures from Cheshire West and Chester Council, there were 89 households in temporary accommodation as of December 31, 2018 – almost a third more than the 62 households on March 31.

And the number of families living in bed and breakfast accommodation almost doubled during the same period – from 27 on March 31, to 50 on December 31.

The council says that the figures mirror national trends from recent years, with 79,880 households in temporary accommodation across the country on March 31, 2018, compared to 48,010 on December 31, 2010.

Cllr Angela Claydon, cabinet member for housing, said: “CWaC is committed to tackling the fundamental causes of homelessness and ending rough sleeping.

“We do face challenges and demand is increasing. Welfare reform continues to have an impact on those receiving benefits and our work will continue with partners to ensure that customers are supported and homelessness is prevented.

“National funding challenges also have an impact, as well as the overall rate of new housing provision, which we are working to address, not keeping pace with household growth and struggling to reduce housing market pressures.”

As well as a rise in the number of homeless families, CWaC says that it is also seeing a rise in the number of people with ‘high support needs’.

The council says that a shortage of one-bedroom flats available for social or private rent is also a factor in the need for temporary accommodation – while a history of anti-social behaviour, rent arrears or the need for a specific location or type of property further limits housing options.

However, the borough saw a drop in the estimated number of rough sleepers from 31 on June 30, 2018, to 17 on December 31 – and it is working with housing support group Forfutures to open an assessment centre for homeless people in Chester city centre later this year.

Cllr Claydon added: “The council works hard to achieve our priorities within our homelessness strategy and will continue to work smartly and efficiently by prioritising prevention work as well as building on our existing partnerships for support.

“A review of our homelessness strategy, to ensure it continues to meet the needs of the people it’s designed to support, is planned for later this year, once we have implemented our new assessment centre service.”