CIH response to Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee report into housing conditions in Temporary Accommodation in England

We are pleased to see that the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee’s (HCLGC) new report on Housing Conditions in Temporary Accommodation highlights CIH’s concerns about the lack of available and reliable data of temporary accommodation, as well as a lack of a consistent approach by local authorities in demonstrating the ‘suitability’ of temporary accommodation in terms of quality. 

The committee recommends the government builds on its targets and aims laid out in the National Plan to End Homelessness to improve conditions in temporary accommodation by mandating that local councils inspect properties to ensure they “meet the needs of all household members, are free from hazards, and are in a decent condition” as well as phasing out unsuitable placements such as placing families with children with single male adults.  

The report outlines the risks highlighted in our submission of unscrupulous behaviour by some landlords, who have left the private rental sector to supply more lucrative single nightly paid temporary accommodation. As national supported housing standards are applied across exempt accommodation, there is a renewed risk that – for those providers who do not want to meet such standards – temporary accommodation presents an attractive pivot, without equivalent expectations. To truly raise standards, it is imperative to close regulatory loopholes across all forms of accommodation. 

Stephanie Morphew, CIH policy lead said: “We support the recommendations put forward by the HCLGC. It sets out a clear recognition that the sector needs stronger oversight, consistent data and better practice to improve outcomes for everyone. 

“This report is published on the same day that it is confirmed that 104 children have died in TA since 2019. A shocking reminder of the gravity of failing to act. We urge the government to pay keen attention to this report's thoughtful compilation of the sector’s evidence. In addition to the aims laid out in the latest homelessness strategy, these proposals provide a constructive pathway for improving the provision of a valuable social safety net.”