Act now on ‘devastating’ temporary accommodation crisis, MPs urge government

New data reveals a deeply troubling crisis in the state of temporary accommodation for homeless families in the UK, with 104 children identified as having died where such housing was a contributing factor. The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Households in Temporary Accommodation highlighted these figures, drawn from the National Child Mortality Database, alongside a record high of 175,990 children living in temporary accommodation in England as of September. The report warns that ongoing assessments could reveal even higher numbers linked to poor living conditions, including stillbirths and neonatal deaths. Temporary accommodation, often consisting of bed and breakfasts (B&Bs), hostels, and other short-term housing, is widely criticized for being unsuitable and sometimes unfit for human habitation. The APPG chairwoman, Dame Siobhain McDonagh, expressed outrage at the rising deaths connected to these conditions, calling the situation “absolutely scandalous.” A separate report from the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee echoed these concerns, urging the government to strengthen protections, phase out shared facilities for families, and ensure a long-term supply of quality temporary housing. Housing charity Shelter described the situation as a “national scandal,” emphasizing the dire shortage of secure and affordable social homes that has left hundreds of thousands of children in unsafe environments. Homelessness Minister Alison McGovern acknowledged the tragic role of B&Bs in child deaths and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving the system. The government’s child poverty strategy, published in December, includes pledges to eradicate poor-quality accommodation, prevent unlawful B&B placements beyond six weeks, and close healthcare gaps for children in temporary housing. The crisis highlights systemic failures in addressing homelessness and child welfare, with MPs and campaigners calling for urgent action to protect vulnerable families and prevent further loss of life. The ongoing rise in children living in temporary accommodation underscores the need for comprehensive reforms to ensure safe, stable housing and support for those affected.