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Housing Conditions in Temporary Accommodation
23 April 2026
Lead MP
Florence Eshalomi
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
HousingNorthern IrelandForeign AffairsParliamentary ProcedureLocal Government
Other Contributors: 6
At a Glance
Florence Eshalomi raised concerns about housing conditions in temporary accommodation in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
HousingNorthern IrelandForeign AffairsParliamentary ProcedureLocal Government
Government Statement
The minister announced findings from the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee's report on housing conditions in temporary accommodation provided to homeless households. She highlighted poor living conditions such as mould, pest infestations, disrepair, lack of space, shared facilities, and safety concerns. The Children’s Commissioner reported that over 12,000 people lived in shared accommodation for extended periods, with many facing unsafe conditions due to sharing spaces with strangers or inadequate locks on their rooms. The minister acknowledged the Government's national plan to end homelessness but called for stronger protections and urgent implementation of Awaab’s law to ensure decent homes standards are met by 2035. She also recommended interim milestones, mandatory inspections, safeguards against unlawful use of B&Bs, extending statutory limits, addressing systemic barriers, forecasting future demand, and ensuring adequate provision for those with complex needs.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
The hon. Member thanked the Chair of the Select Committee for a truly excellent report on temporary housing issues and highlighted the critical pressure for housing in Northern Ireland, stressing the importance of sharing best practices with his counterpart in Northern Ireland, Minister Gordon Lyons.
Minister reply
The minister responded positively to the shadow's request, affirming that it is important to share housing insights across all regions. She assured that her hon. Friend the Minister will do so when discussing issues with their Northern Irish counterparts.
Andrew Cooper
Lab
Wirral West
Question
I thank my hon. Friend for her statement and for her leadership of the Select Committee during this inquiry. I commend Cheshire West and Chester council for its efforts to reduce B&B use for temporary accommodation but note that not every local authority is in the same position, highlighting issues such as daily sign-ins and fears of reprisal evictions. One family shared their experience of inappropriate behaviour by hotel staff, while another highlighted increased travel time affecting children's school attendance, leading to poor attendance and potential off-rolling. Does my hon. Friend agree that we should track outcomes for children in temporary accommodation similarly to those who have experienced care?
Minister reply
I thank Andrew Cooper for his engagement with the Committee and raise concerns about the impact of temporary accommodation on educational attainment. It is crucial that we address these issues, especially given the Government’s efforts to improve breakfast clubs and teacher numbers, which cannot benefit children not attending school due to lengthy commutes.
Jennifer Craft
Lab
Kingston upon Hull East
Question
I congratulate my hon. Friend on this report. I highlight the impact of temporary accommodation on constituents with special educational needs and disabilities, noting that they often struggle in inappropriate accommodation. Does she agree that local authorities must consider these children's needs when placing them or moving them from temporary accommodation?
Minister reply
I thank Jennifer Craft for her work and confirm the importance of ensuring suitable accommodation for children with additional needs. It is crucial to carry out checks before placing vulnerable families in temporary accommodation, including basic accessibility requirements such as wheelchair access.
Redditch
Question
I thank my hon. Friend for her Committee’s work on this important issue. I declare an interest as a member of the all-party parliamentary group for households in temporary accommodation. The report highlights poor conditions and a lack of national data. What steps should be taken to improve oversight and standards, especially when constituents are placed in privately run sites far from their support networks with unsafe conditions?
Minister reply
I thank Christopher Bloore for his interest and work on the issue. It is crucial that we ensure suitable accommodation funded by taxpayers. Landlords providing substandard accommodation should not receive public funds. We need to encourage local councils to provide temporary accommodation locally, reducing reliance on out-of-borough placements.
Rachel Taylor
Lab
Solihull
Question
I thank my hon. Friend for her tireless work and stewardship of the Select Committee. The report is harrowing, noting that such reports cannot be written without witnesses putting themselves at risk. It highlights the scandal of children and families living in these conditions in Great Britain. Will she impress upon the Minister the need for change, especially in rural areas where temporary accommodation is scarce, leading to people being placed far from support networks?
Minister reply
I thank Rachel Taylor for her valid point about housing issues in rural constituencies, noting that lengthy commutes affect access to services and appointments. It is crucial that we recognise the impact of homelessness and temporary accommodation in both urban and rural areas and continue to advocate for adequate funding for councils.
Shadow Comment
Jim Shannon
Shadow Comment
The shadow thanked the Chair of the Select Committee for an excellent report on temporary housing issues. He noted that Northern Ireland faces critical pressure for housing and emphasised the importance of sharing best practices from England with his counterpart in Northern Ireland, Minister Gordon Lyons.
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