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 AI-generated
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.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government · verbatim extract
Deferred
17. Where the temporary accommodation is not managed by a local authority, a registered social landlord, or voluntary organisation, accommodation types such as hostels as cited in the report will be covered by the definition of B&Bs in the legislation. We are clear that privately managed accommodation that involves sharing facilities with other households is generally not suitable for families because of the safeguarding risks it presents to children. 18. There is a place for good quality accommodation with shared facilities for families. It can provide the necessary stepping stone to assess and support their needs before moving families into further interim or move on accommodation.
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