Homeless people staying in bed and breakfast accommodation could be forced to do without their breakfasts as a cost-cutting measure.

Worthing Council housing officers have been approached by some guest house owners in the town who are offering cheaper rates in return for providing accommodation only.

The move could save the council £30,000 a year on bed and breakfast accommodation.

But the suggestion has sparked outrage from homeless groups who say basic facilities should be provided.

Housing services manager Judy Holmes said the move applied only to guest houses rather than hotels, who would continue to offer a full service.

She said: "Many of the clients placed do not take advantage of the breakfast and the quality of the food provided varies considerably between different establishments.

"Several proprietors have asked the council to consider not providing a breakfast on the basis that they would reduce the charge by an average of £1.50 a night.

"Based on initial projections, a potential average saving of approximately £29,480 per year could be made."

The council is intending to spend nearly £250,000 on bed and breakfast accommodation in this financial year and is in the process of reviewing the service it provides to make it run more efficiently.

There are currently about 35 families in bed and breakfast accommodation in the borough and officials are hoping to halve this to 16 by next year.

Other methods of savings being considered by the council are increasing the amount contributed to the cost of staying in temporary accommodation by people staying there who are still working.

But the move to consider dropping breakfast facilities has angered homeless groups.

A spokesman for Shelter said: "People should have the basic right to a roof over their heads and at least one meal a day.

"Many families are made homeless through no fault of their own and need all the help they can get.

"There are going to be individuals or families who want to have the full accommodation but will have to put up with a half service at a time when they are already under stress."

The proposals by housing officers will be discussed at a council housing committee in the next two months.