Caerphilly County Borough Council has said it has “significantly reduced” its reliance on using Bed and Breakfasts for emergency homeless accommodation.
The authority came in for criticism for using B&Bs as temporary housing in the wake of the murder of Cerys Yemm in Argoed.
In November 2014, the 22-year-old shop worker, from Oakdale, was killed by 34-year-old Matthew Williams at the Sirhowy Arms.
Williams was high on a cocktail of drugs when he killed Miss Yemm and had been released from prison weeks earlier. He was given temporary accommodation at the Sirhowy Arms by the council.
Williams later died after he was tasered by police officers and the incident sparked questions over the use of B&Bs to house those faced with emergency homelessness.
Last year the council made a commitment to review the use of B&Bs for temporary accommodation.
A meeting of the council’s Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee agreed to look into the matter and representations were received from local community groups and homeless support organisations.
Efforts have since been made over the past 12 months to move away from the use of B&Bs for emergency accommodation.
Back in November 2014 there were, on average, between 30 to 35 people in B&Bs at any one time.
Caerphilly County Borough Council has said the average is now five and it is hoped this will reduce further in future.
The authority is now using specialist supported accommodation across the area, including Ty’r Fesen in Caerphilly, Ty Croeso in Newbridge and Maes Y Derwen near Ystrad Mynach.
These dedicated facilities provide 24/7 on-site management and greater support for homeless people and families during the period when their housing options are being investigated.
A new facility has also been developed in Rhymney which the council says is likely to further reduce the need for B&Bs.
Cllr Dave Poole, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “It is clear that the council has made significant progress in its efforts to reduce its reliance on B&Bs for emergency accommodation.
“Hopefully our communities will be reassured that we have taken positive steps to address their concerns.”
Cllr Sean Morgan, Chair of the Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee, added: “We are pleased by the progress that has been achieved and I would like to thank all those involved in the review.
“That said, we will need to keep a close eye on forthcoming welfare reforms to ensure that the provision of supported accommodation, particularly for families, is sufficient to cope with any additional demand that may arise.”