Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Families in Temporary Accommodation

Monday 24 November 2025 · 6 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 6 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Liam Conlon noted that the number of individuals in temporary accommodation surged in his constituency over the past 14 years, with one out of every fifty Londoners now residing in such conditions.
  • Alison McGovern informed the House that the Labour government has allocated over 1 billion this year to homelessness services, a significant increase from previous years.
  • Dame Meg Hillier requested an undertaking from the Minister to engage with Departments such as Education or Health to expedite the release of land for converting into social housing.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Liam Conlon Lab Beckenham and Penge
NHS Housing
Context

The number of people in temporary accommodation increased significantly under the previous Conservative government, leaving hundreds of families stuck in unsuitable conditions for extended periods. This is a pressing issue affecting communities like Beckenham and Penge.

Question

Liam Conlon noted that during the past 14 years, the number of individuals in temporary accommodation surged in his constituency. He highlighted that one out of every fifty Londoners now resides in such housing conditions. From discussions with local charities, schools, and NHS staff, he understands that the ongoing housing crisis exacerbates deprivation and inequality. Therefore, Liam Conlon requested specifics on what actions are being taken by the Department to tackle this issue.

Answer from The Minister for Local Government and Homelessness (Alison McGovern)

Alison McGovern acknowledged that while London is a great city, ensuring proper housing for everyone there is crucial. She highlighted that their Labour government has allocated over £1 billion this year to homelessness services—a significant increase of more than £300 million from previous years. This includes £10.9 million in additional funding to enhance access to support services specifically in areas with high numbers of children in temporary accommodation.

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Q2 Meg Hillier Labour (Co-op) Hackney South and Shoreditch
NHS Education Housing
Context

There are local solutions to the housing crisis, such as utilizing land from educational institutions or healthcare providers that have become available. This could be a practical approach to alleviate pressure on temporary accommodation.

Question

Dame Meg Hillier pointed out that there are opportunities locally where Education and Health lands can be converted into social housing. She requested an undertaking from the Minister to engage with Departments such as Education or Health to expedite the release of land for this purpose, particularly in areas like Hackney South.

Answer from The Minister for Local Government and Homelessness (Alison McGovern)

Alison McGovern, acknowledging Dame Meg's expertise in these matters, informed the House that recent steps have been taken by the Secretary of State to ensure the construction of homes, including social and affordable housing in London. She confirmed their readiness to work closely with Dame Meg Hillier using the information she provides.

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Q3 Sarah Dyke Lib Dem Glastonbury and Somerton
Housing
Context

Somerset faces a significant housing crisis with nearly 300 households in temporary accommodation, including over 120 families with children. The local council is spending substantial funds annually on additional temporary accommodation to meet demand.

Question

Sarah Dyke highlighted the high number of households in temporary accommodation in Somerset and noted that this situation requires a long-term solution. She asked what measures are being taken by the Minister to increase the availability of affordable homes to address this issue.

Answer from The Minister for Local Government and Homelessness (Alison McGovern)

Alison McGovern informed Sarah Dyke that the forthcoming homelessness strategy would address these concerns. She emphasized that while funding can be provided to support temporary measures, it is crucial to focus on building homes and ensuring families have sufficient income to cover rental costs.

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Q4 Munira Wilson Lib Dem Twickenham
Housing
Context

London councils are experiencing severe financial strain due to the high costs of temporary accommodation. Richmond council has prioritized sites for social housing and Munira Wilson seeks incentives for other public bodies, such as NHS or Government Departments, to release land for social homes.

Question

Munira Wilson highlighted that London councils are spending millions daily on temporary accommodation and suggested that this situation necessitates the construction of more social homes in the city. She asked if the Minister would look into incentives for public bodies like the NHS or other government departments to prioritize selling land for social housing.

Answer from The Minister for Local Government and Homelessness (Alison McGovern)

Alison McGovern responded positively to Munira Wilson's question by referring her back to a previous statement where she mentioned leaving no stone unturned in the search for available land suitable for housing, especially in London. She confirmed that they would be working closely with various public bodies to ensure more social and affordable homes are built.

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Q5 Florence Eshalomi Labour (Co-op) Vauxhall and Camberwell Green
Housing Local Government
Context

Councils across the UK are experiencing financial pressures due to overspending on temporary accommodation. This includes large costs like £500,000 for Epsom and Ewell borough council, rising to £800,000 by next year.

Question

Florence Eshalomi highlighted that councils across the UK are facing financial pressures due to overspending on temporary accommodation. She noted specific cases like Slough's £22 million overspend, Woking’s £330,000, Waverley’s £165,000, and Waltham Forest's £31 million overspend. Eshalomi requested that the Minister engage with Treasury colleagues to address issues such as the increase in Local Housing Allowance which does not allow people to live locally.

Answer from The Minister for Local Government and Homelessness (Alison McGovern)

In response to Florence Eshalomi's concerns, Alison McGovern acknowledged that this situation is financially unsustainable for both councils and taxpayers. She highlighted the need for a strategy focusing on proper housing for all children while also addressing financial pressures faced by local authorities.

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Q6 Tim Farron Lib Dem Westmorland and Lonsdale
Housing
Context

Westmorland has a high number of empty properties, with the council investing in staff to bring these homes back into use for housing homeless people. However, there is a need for more robust powers to requisition long-term vacant properties as temporary or emergency accommodation.

Question

Tim Farron noted that Westmorland ranks fifth nationally in terms of empty properties and highlighted efforts by the council to bring some of these homes back into permanent use. He asked what additional powers could be given to local authorities to requisition homes that have been vacant for long periods as temporary or emergency accommodation.

Answer from The Minister for Local Government and Homelessness (Alison McGovern)

Alison McGovern thanked Tim Farron for his pertinent question. She acknowledged that bringing empty homes back into use is a priority, and councils already possess extensive powers in this regard. The Minister committed to ensuring stable funding for local authorities so they can invest further in bringing these properties back into use.

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