Latest government figures have revealed a large rise in the number of care leavers being placed in "unsuitable accommodation" by councils over the past year.
The figures, released recently by children's minister Edward Timpson in response to a parliamentary question by SNP MP Stuart McDonald, show 1,840 care leavers were placed in unsuitable accommodation in 2015 compared to 1,660 in 2014 – a rise of 10.8 per cent.
The increase has raised concerns among care leaver organisations that guidance introduced in early 2015 to restrict use of bed and breakfasts and hostels to accommodate care leavers has failed to change councils' practice.
The guidance, developed in response to recommendations from the education select committee following its 2014 inquiry into care leaver housing, says temporary accommodation such as B&Bs and hostels is unsuitable for care leavers and should only be used in an emergency and for a maximum of 48 hours.
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