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

To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of current regulations on temporary accommodation.

Temporary accommodation (TA) in England is subject to national regulation. Legislation is clear that local authorities must ensure TA is suitable in relation to the applicant and all members of their household. Housing authorities should, as a minimum, ensure that all TA is free of Category 1 hazards as identified by the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS).

If local authorities identify the presence of a category 1 hazard, they have a duty under the Housing Act 2004 to take enforcement action. We have given local authorities strong powers, including financial penalties of up to £30,000, for the most serious and prolific offenders.

Applicants may request a review of their TA if they feel it is unsuitable. If an applicant is not satisfied with how the council has handled their case, they may complain to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman or take legal action in the courts.