A fightback against the numbers of homeless people living in temporary accommodation is underway after a £300,000 government grant was secured by the council.

The money will be used to launch the Barking and Dagenham Lettings Scheme which works to help people access affordable and sustainable accommodation in the local private rented sector, said a council spokesperson.

A two day workshop teaching money management and offering employment advice will also be made available to prospective tenants.

Cllr Phil Waker, council cabinet member for housing, said: “We’re pleased to have been successful in this bid because it will allow us to help more people out of homelessness, and in particular to reduce the number of families living in bed and breakfast accommodation.”

Barking and Dagenham council has around 19,000 council properties and 13,299 people on its waiting list.

A spokesman for the council claimed the excess demand means it has to work with the private rented sector to try and reduce homelessness.

In November 2012 there were 113 families staying in bed and breakfast accommodation in the boroughwhich has since been reduced to 64.

The £300,000 grant is part of a £1.9million pot distributed by the Department for Communities and Local Government to councils throughout the country.

To find out more about the Barking and Dagenham Lettings Scheme email housingadviceservice@lbbd.gov.uk or call 020 8724 8323.