CLAIMS that Dorset Council has forty 'void' properties it owns at a time when homeless people are being put up in bed and breakfast are 'broadly accurate,' according to the authority.

The claim was made by Beacon ward, Conservative councillor Jane Somper during a council meeting.

A council spokesman says that given the nature of its temporary accommodation it is normal to have periods when properties are empty between use.

A Dorset Council statement: "Temporary accommodation is generally offered to households who have been considered being owed a main housing duty by the Council, whilst a more permanent housing solution is sought, either through our Registered Partners providers (Housing Associations), via the Council's Allocation Policy or into private rented housing.

"Given the nature of temporary accommodation, it is normal to have a number of voids, given the 'moving through' process of households. It is important to stress the temporary nature of this type of housing, with people and families moving on to settled homes after a period of time, so bringing about periods of time between lettings. This often means repairs and maintenance and work to match people and families with the homes, which can cause delays in the properties being available to relet. We work to minimise the period of time when empty, to make the best use of our available stock.

"The figure quoted by Cllr Somper is broadly accurate, though changes on a weekly basis depending on turnover. We are working to ensure the work is carried out in an appropriate time scale and standard, to relet."

The last figures to be released at a public meeting by the council (February 2023) said there were, at the time, 280 households in temporary accommodation which included 79 in bed and breakfast, or hotels, of which 28 were families; 36 in hostels where they might have to share kitchen and bathroom facilities; 158 in self-contained homes and 7 in self-contained family caravan on holiday parks.

The council says its priority among those in temporary accommodation is families who are in B&B.

One of the tactics the council is using to try and bring more homes to the market is its empty homes scheme which has been running for four year and at that time had brought 34 of what it describes as "the most complex and problematic empty homes" back into use.