Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Homeless Children: Bed-and-Breakfast Accommodation

Monday 27 March 2023 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Government have been clear that long-term use of bed-and-breakfast accommodation for families with children is inappropriate and unlawful.
  • The Government are providing 654 million through the homelessness prevention grant for 2023 to 2025 to local authorities.
  • There are currently 1,200 families in B&B accommodation for over six weeks, which the Government consider inappropriate.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Kate Osamor Labour (Co-op) Edmonton and Winchmore Hill
Housing Children & Families
Context

A constituent of the MP has been living in a Travelodge for seven months, including an autistic child who is distressed by room changes. The number of families staying in B&Bs for over six weeks in London has increased 180%.

Question

What steps are being taken to reduce the number of homeless children placed in bed-and-breakfast accommodation? My constituent has been stuck in a Travelodge for seven months with his wife, who is a wheelchair user, and two sons. One son is autistic and has become increasingly distressed at constantly changing rooms. The number of families living in B&Bs for more than six weeks has increased by 180% in London.

Answer from Felicity Buchan

The Government have been clear that long-term use of bed-and-breakfast accommodation for families with children is inappropriate and unlawful. We will continue to work with local authorities to limit its use, giving them £654 million through the homelessness prevention grant for 2023 to 2025. There are currently 1,200 families in B&Bs for over six weeks; we consider this inappropriate. We have made it clear that B&Bs are a last resort and an interim measure.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to uprating local housing allowance at least by the rate of inflation

How: We Will Continue To Work With Local Authorities

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q2 Kate Osamor Labour (Co-op) Edmonton and Winchmore Hill
Housing Children & Families
Context

The number of families living in B&Bs for more than six weeks has increased by 180% in London. The local housing allowance needs to be uprated at least by the rate of inflation.

Question

What steps are being taken to reduce the number of homeless children placed in bed-and-breakfast accommodation? My constituent has been stuck in a Travelodge for seven months with his wife, who is a wheelchair user, and two sons. One son is autistic and has become increasingly distressed at constantly changing rooms. The number of families living in B&Bs for more than six weeks has increased by 180% in London.

Answer from Felicity Buchan

I am sorry to hear about the circumstances of the hon. Member's constituent, and I am happy to talk in detail. There are currently 1,200 families in B&B accommodation for over six weeks. As I have said, we think that is inappropriate. We have made it clear to local authorities that B&Bs are a last resort, and they are an interim measure to more stable accommodation.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to uprating local housing allowance at least by the rate of inflation

How: We Have Made It Clear That B&Bs Are A Last Resort

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q3 Sarah Owen Lab Luton North
Housing Children & Families
Context

Since 2011, the number of children in temporary accommodation has risen to over 120,000. Thousands of children are stuck in B&Bs for longer than six weeks.

Question

What steps is the Government taking to address the rising numbers of homeless children in temporary accommodation? Every year since 2011, the number of children in temporary accommodation has risen—we are talking about well over 120,000 children without a home to call their own. Thousands of children are stuck in bed and breakfasts for longer than six weeks.

Answer from Felicity Buchan

Homelessness and rough sleeping is one of the biggest priorities of this Government. We are devoting £2 billion over three years to alleviate homelessness and rough sleeping. The Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 has helped prevent homelessness for half a million people since it came into effect, with £366 million spent on the homelessness prevention grant in the current year and £654 million over the next two years.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify concrete actions to reduce numbers of homeless children in temporary accommodation

How: We Are Committed To Getting People Out Of Temporary Accommodation

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email