A DISTRICT council has been praised for reaching a Government target to reduce homelessness levels.

All local authorities responsible for homelessness in the UK were challenged by central Government to ensure that stays in bed and breakfast accommodation were no longer than six weeks from April this year.

Hambleton District Council has met the target and ended the long-term use of bed and breakfasts.

In a letter to the council this week, Minister for Regeneration and Regional Development Jeff Rooker said: "I was pleased to hear that your authority has reported that you have met the target and ended the long term use of B&Bs for families with children.

"I wish to commend you for both your work and evident achievement in reducing the use of this least acceptable (and most expensive) form of temporary accommodation."

Instead of using bed and breakfasts, the council now looks for alternative accommodation for families through units leased from housing associations.

Cabinet spokesperson on housing, Councillor David Blades said: "We want to stop the use of B&Bs altogether. We are now working with the housing associations to provide higher quality temporary homes for these families.

"This is an excellent achievement for the council and underpins the important work going on to reduce homelessness in the district through our Homelessness Strategy."