Barking & Dagenham council has given the go-ahead to plans for new homeless people's accommodation in a bid to cut the use of bed and breakfast hotels.

Housing will be demolished to make way for two hostels in the London borough, expected to accommodate more than 100 people. And two sheltered housing complexes no longer suitable for older people will be redeveloped into modern homes for homeless families.

The hostels will be run by housing associations, overseen by groups comprising councillors, associations and residents, and funded by social housing grant.