Source · Select Committees · Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee
Recommendation 7
7
Deferred
Assess legislation suitability and update guidance to specify 'non-self-contained accommodation' for family protection.
Recommendation
The use of the term “B&B” in legislation means that the law does not prevent families being placed in similarly inappropriate accommodation, such as some hostels, which are not always covered by the six-week limit. (Conclusion, Paragraph 46) In its response to this Report, the Government should set out its assessment of whether the Homelessness (Suitability of Accommodation) (England) Order 2023 is fit for purpose; and whether updating legislation and the Code of Guidance to refer to “non-self-contained accommodation” rather than “B&Bs” would enhance protections for families placed in temporary accommodation with shared facilities. (Recommendation, Paragraph 46)
Government Response Summary
The government did not directly assess the Homelessness (Suitability of Accommodation) (England) Order 2023 or the proposed change in terminology from 'B&Bs' to 'non-self-contained accommodation'. Instead, it noted challenges with local placements and stated it would consider ways to further define acceptable out-of-area placements.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
25. Suitability legislation and guidance sets out that the local authority should only use out of area placements when it is not reasonably practicable to place the applicant locally. However, we recognise this is increasingly challenging. 26. The Government has made clear that homes funded by the Local Authority Housing Fund (LAHF) should be acquired within the local authority’s own area as far as possible. Our LAHF 3 prospectus makes clear that this should be the case, unless otherwise agreed with both the other local authority and by the Department by exception. 27. The Government will consider ways to further define where out of area placements are acceptable and expectations on placing and receiving local authorities.