Councillor Critiques Temporary Housing for Homeless Children in North Wales

Concerns have been raised regarding the living conditions of homeless children in Conwy, North Wales, by local councillor David Carr. His remarks come in light of data indicating that, despite recent reductions, a notable number of children are still residing in temporary accommodations such as bed and breakfast facilities.

According to figures from Conwy County Council’s housing department, there were initially 54 homeless children reported in the county for the year 2025/26. Among these, 29 children under the age of 16 were living in bed and breakfast accommodations, while 25 were in caravans. This represents a slight increase from the previous year, when 30 children were recorded in B&Bs and 44 in caravans.

The council’s cabinet member for housing, Stephen Price, contends that these figures are outdated. He stated that as of December, the number of children in bed and breakfast settings had decreased to 14.

In an email directed to both Cllr Emily Owen, the former deputy leader, and Cllr Price, Cllr Carr expressed his concerns about the implications of temporary housing on children’s well-being. “These figures show children are suffering. Keeping children in bed and breakfast accommodation is morally wrong,” he wrote. He emphasized that such arrangements negatively affect children’s health, education, and overall development.

Cllr Carr further highlighted the financial implications of these accommodations, noting that the daily cost to house families in B&Bs is considerably higher than investing in permanent housing solutions. He urged Cllr Price, who oversees the housing budget, to take immediate action to transition these children out of temporary accommodations.

In response, Cllr Price acknowledged the unsuitability of B&B accommodations for children. He affirmed, “Working with our partners, we have developed a range of more suitable accommodation options across the county, so placements of families with children in B&B have continued to reduce.” He expressed optimism that the reliance on such temporary housing could be virtually eliminated.

Cllr Price also referenced the Draft Housing and Homelessness Strategy, which is currently undergoing public consultation. This strategy aims to ensure that everyone in Conwy has access to suitable and affordable housing that improves their quality of life.

As the local government focuses on reducing reliance on temporary accommodations, the ongoing discussions highlight the pressing need for a sustainable solution to support the vulnerable children of Conwy.