5th Report - Housing Conditions in Temporary Accommodation

The government agrees on the need to understand temporary accommodation quality and commits to investigating options to improve data collection, building on existing surveys, with an update to the Committee in autumn.

The government agrees local authorities must deliver their statutory duty regarding suitability of temporary accommodation, stating that current legislation and the Homelessness Code of Guidance already outline requirements for authorities to review housing conditions and ensure accommodation is free of Category 1 hazards.

The government states that existing requirements address overcrowding but commits to working with the sector to better understand the issue, ensure enforcement guidance highlights overcrowding, and investigate options to improve data collection on overcrowding and hazards. They will also use the Emergency Accommodation Reduction Programme to address poor practice.

The government acknowledged the risk of councils moving families from B&Bs into other unsuitable accommodation or out-of-area placements. They committed to using the £30m Emergency Accommodation Reduction Programme, clarifying suitability guidance, setting expectations for councils on placements, and working with stakeholders to identify and tackle other high-risk temporary accommodation forms.

The government states its commitment to eliminating unlawful B&B use and will review the use of socially managed hostel accommodation, considering further action to reduce or regulate its use and improve practice.

The government accepts the importance of suitable accommodation for those with complex needs, stating it will review and update the Care Act 2014 statutory guidance and publish new support guidance to improve clarity and joined-up practice across services by 2026.

The government accepted the request for an update, stating they are considering supported housing as part of the Thematic Value for Money Review. They highlighted ongoing actions, including £159 million in funding and published guidance for local authorities, and committed to providing continued updates to the committee.

The government stated that local authorities are already required through grant conditions and an accountability toolkit to produce policies and action plans detailing how they will reduce reliance on expensive temporary accommodation. They are also considering incentives for longer-term arrangements as part of the Thematic Value for Money Review.

The government states that Local Housing Allowance rates were already set to the 30th percentile of local market rents from April 2024, fulfilling the recommendation.

The government states that existing guidance (Local Government and Accountability Toolkit) already requires local authorities to have long-term plans for temporary accommodation, and they are continuing to explore options to support councils and share effective demand forecasting approaches.

The government states that local authorities are already required to have policies for procuring temporary accommodation, including assessing anticipated demand and having a long-term plan, as detailed in the Local Government and Accountability Toolkit. It will continue to explore options and share effective demand forecasting approaches.

The government acknowledges the criticality of boosting affordable and social housing supply, confirming a £39 billion Social and Affordable Homes Programme (2026-2036) with an ambition to deliver 300,000 homes, at least 60% for social rent, to tackle homelessness.

The government states that Homes England and the Greater London Authority have already published full guidance and assessment criteria for the Social and Affordable Homes Programme, detailing how bids are assessed and how value for money is considered.