MPs have repeated calls for the Government to ban local authorities from using B&Bs to house vulnerable children.
The education select committee recommended banning their use as emergency accommodation in a report published in July on care options for looked-after children over 16.
In its response the Government agreed that they should spend no more than two days in a B&B but said an outright ban risked leaving young people with nowhere to go – citing concerns raised by the Local Government Association.
Committee chair Graham Stuart welcomed the Government’s backing of a two-day limit but said he was ‘disappointed that ministers have refused to start talks with local authorities on how to ban the use of B&Bs altogether’.
He added: ‘We also believe that the failure to inspect and regulate all accommodation provided to children in care is unacceptable and wrong.
‘Through a debate in the House, members of the committee and other MPs can explore with ministers what can be done to improve the care given to children over 16 who need our help.
‘We know that the Government is listening but we want them to move faster and more decisively on these crucial issues.’