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Temporary Accommodation: Out of Area Placements
20 January 2026
Lead MP
Josh Babarinde
Eastbourne
LD
Responding Minister
Alison McGovern
Tags
Housing
Word Count: 3980
Other Contributors: 4
At a Glance
Josh Babarinde raised concerns about temporary accommodation: out of area placements in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The MP asks for more consistent notifications when individuals are moved into the borough, timely sharing of appropriate case details across local authority boundaries, and better support mechanisms to prevent such tragic outcomes.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The issue is that too often, 'out of area' placements become 'out of sight and out of mind', leading to significant disruptions for families with children, particularly those with special educational needs. The number of such placements in Eastbourne increased fourfold since the pandemic, reaching 209 by June 2025, with 46% being from Brighton and Hove city council. There are fatal consequences of this system failure, as evidenced by a 25-year-old man's death in January 2023 due to lack of welfare checks.
Alison McGovern
Lab
Sefton Central
Discussed the national plan to end homelessness, noting efforts to place households closer to home and the importance of suitable temporary accommodation. Mentioned a commitment to review guidance and introduced an amendment for local housing authorities to notify educational institutions and health services when a child is placed in temporary accommodation.
Amanda Hack
Lab
North West Leicestershire
Raises concern about out of area placements for 16-year-olds during exam periods, emphasizing the importance of maintaining local connections and support systems for care-experienced young people. Asked whether the duty to inform includes 16 to 18-year-olds, particularly those placed by social services rather than homelessness teams.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Highlights a shocking example where a family was offered accommodation three hours away from their home and child's school, stressing the need for special consideration for families with children who have particular educational needs.
Josh Babarinde
Lab
Dulwich and West Norwood
Asked for a specific timetable regarding the review of out of area placements guidance.
Government Response
Alison McGovern
The Minister for Local Government and Homelessness
Government Response
Acknowledges the complex issue of homelessness and outlines government initiatives such as a £39 billion investment in social housing, £3.5 billion over three years for homelessness services, and immediate action to increase temporary accommodation supply through a £950 million fund. Emphasizes preventing homelessness before it occurs and addressing poor access to quality temporary accommodation. Discussed the national plan to end homelessness and efforts to place households closer to home. Mentioned the importance of suitable temporary accommodation, a commitment to review guidance, and introduced an amendment requiring local housing authorities to notify educational institutions and health services when a child is placed in temporary accommodation. Addressed questions regarding 16 to 18-year-olds, stating that further clarification would be provided through correspondence. Out-of-area placements should be a last resort and must be handled properly with full notification, safeguarding referrals and collaboration between councils. The government is committed to tackling the drivers of homelessness, improving standards, and ensuring vulnerable households get support they need. This is a shared challenge, and the minister looks forward to working with all local authorities, charities and Members across the House to deliver long-term solutions. On behalf of everyone in this House, she passes sincere thanks to the charities, organisations and individuals mentioned by the hon. Member for Eastbourne.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.