Communities Minister Iain Wright announced that the number of 16 and 17 year olds placed in bed and breakfast (B&B) accommodation has fallen by a third.
New statistics show the number of 16 and 17 year old households put into B&B accommodation by local authorities has dropped to around 700 from 1,000 reported at the end of September last year.
The Government pledged last November to end the use of B&B as accommodation for homeless 16 and 17 year olds, as part of a national plan in partnership with the voluntary sector and local authorities, to prevent and tackle youth homelessness.
The reductions have been achieved through a range of measures, including supported lodgings schemes offering accommodation, advice, and better mediation services for young people. The programme is helping young people to develop independent living skills and find settled homes, and provide a respite for those who may be able to return to the family home after mediation.
Mr Wright also announced continued reductions in the new cases of homelessness and the numbers of households living in temporary accommodation.
National Statistics released show that new cases of homelessness reported by local authorities have fallen by 18% in comparison to the same period last year to 15,960 - the lowest level since the early 1980s. The number of households placed in temporary accommodation is down 10% compared to the same date last year, falling to 84,900 from 93,910.
Iain Wright further announced that the target to reduce rough sleeping by two thirds is being sustained, along with the successful bids for cash grants from the £450,000 fund to kick start innovative employment and training projects in hostels. It is part of Communities and Local Government's £90 million programme, which is transforming hostels into modern places of change where homeless people are not just given a bed for the night and a meal but access to the training and support to get on with their lives.
A third round of Regional Champions for homelessness was also announced, with 17 local authorities and registered social landlord being appointed. They will help councils draw up plans to prevent and tackle homelessness in the region and provide training to raise the standards of local authorities.
The Government caved in to pressure from local authorities by giving them extra time to find homes for the large number of asylum seekers currently expected to be granted a right to stay in the UK.
Councils had been warned by the Home Office to prepare for an increase in requests for housing, as it put pressure on efforts to clear a backlog of applicants' claims. The Department initially allowed councils with severe housing shortages less than three months to find homes for families.
Following pressure from lobby groups, including the Welsh Local Government Association, the Home Office has agreed to give councils until March next year to house successful asylum seekers.
