Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:

To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, further to the Answer of 9 March 2023 to Question 156308 on Bed and Breakfast Accommodation: Children, whether his Department issues guidance to local authorities on reducing the number of households with dependent children in temporary bed and breakfast accommodation for longer than six weeks; and what steps his Department is taking, through its continuing work with local authorities, to tackle this issue.

Local authorities have a statutory duty to ensure temporary accommodation is suitable for all members of an applicant’s household. Consideration of whether accommodation is suitable will require an assessment of all aspects of the accommodation in the light of the relevant needs, requirements and circumstances of the household. This includes any requirements to meet the needs of a person who is disabled or has specific medical needs.

We do not hold data relating to schools and temporary accommodation. Where possible, housing authorities should try to secure accommodation that is as close as possible to where an applicant was previously living. Where an out-of-borough placement is necessary, the authority should seek to retain established links, including education, wherever possible.

As set out in legislation and Chapter 16 of the Homelessness Code of Guidance, the Government has been clear that the long-term use of bed and breakfast (B&B) accommodation for families with children is inappropriate and unlawful. We will continue to work with local authorities to limit the use of B&B accommodation.