SCOTLAND’S capital city was criticised today for forking out £17.5 million a year for an illegal “sticking plaster” solution to housing the homeless.

Six months ago, the City of Edinburgh Council promised to stop housing families in bed and breakfasts for more than the seven-day legal limit. But the practice is still going on.

One mum told BBC Scotland that she had been housed in a B&B with her daughter after her relationship broke down.