Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will ensure that local authorities arranging accommodation for homeless families far from their original neighbourhoods will seek assistance from local religious and voluntary groups in the receiving area.

Local authorities must secure accommodation within their own borough so far as is reasonably practicable. If they do place a household in another borough, they must follow the rules we have set out and also notify that local authority.

The provision of support to households placed in temporary accommodation is essential to ensure that they are able to continue to enjoy a reasonable quality of life and access the range of services they need.

In formulating their homelessness strategies, housing authorities should consider what arrangements need to be in place to ensure that households placed in temporary accommodation, within their district or outside, are able to access relevant support services.

Organisations, such as charities and faith groups, and the thousands of people who volunteer with them, play an important role in giving real help to those who are homeless. Working in close partnership with established and statutory homelessness services, they are part of vital work to provide consistent, high quality support.