Arrange emergency temporary accommodation provision
That all local authorities make such arrangements as are reasonably practicable for enabling them to place people in temporary accommodation at short notice and in ways that meet their personal, religious and cultural requirements. Such arrangements should, as far as possible, involve local providers of social housing. (113.75)
- The government expressed support for this recommendation directed at local authorities in February 2025, noting existing legal obligations under the Housing Act 1996 (Government Response to Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 Report, MHCLG, February 2025).
- The government's annual report stated MHCLG continues engagement with sector partners to determine guidance approaches for temporary accommodation in emergencies (Annual Report on Progress, MHCLG, February 2026).
- The government reported that recommendation 51 was one of nine recommendations completed since its February annual report (Grenfell Tower Inquiry: Government Progress Report, MHCLG, 20 May 2026).
How was this evidence gathered?
Response
Accepted
Response
AcceptedThe government supports this recommendation made towards local authorities. Local authorities already have a legal obligation under the Housing Act 1996 to re-house people displaced by an emergency. This duty will be highlighted in guidance that clarifies key duties on local authorities.
The government supports this recommendation made towards local authorities. Local authorities already have a legal obligation under the Housing Act 1996 to re-house people displaced by an emergency. This duty will be highlighted in guidance that clarifies key duties on local authorities.
Progress Timeline
Since the Annual Report published in February 2026, we have completed a further 9 recommendations. Recommendations 22, 23, 27 and 28 are related to the construction industry, and 51, 52, 53, 54 and 55 are related to response and recovery.
MHCLG continues engagement with sector partners to determine appropriate guidance approaches for temporary accommodation arrangements in emergencies. (Covers Recommendations 50-55.)