Source · Select Committees · Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee
Recommendation 12
12
Deferred
Update Code of Guidance requiring local authorities to notify host authorities before out-of-area placements.
Recommendation
We are deeply concerned to hear that several local authorities may be falling short of their legal duties regarding out-of-area placements, particularly the requirement to notify the host authority after placements are completed. There is currently no requirement for local authorities to notify a prospective host authority before it makes an out-of-area placement, meaning opportunities to mitigate the impacts of these placements on families and host authorities may be missed. (Conclusion, Paragraph 63) The Government should update the Code of Guidance to require local authorities to notify the host authority before they make an out-of-area placement. This will ensure local authorities are co-operating and sharing local expertise effectively, to ensure suitable accommodation and support is available to families placed out-of-area, and to mitigate the impacts on host authorities. (Recommendation, Paragraph 63)
Government Response Summary
The government deflected the recommendation to update the Code of Guidance for pre-notification of out-of-area placements. Instead, it mentioned the Inter-Ministerial Group's work on homelessness and plans to extend Awaab's Law to the private rented sector and temporary accommodation through future regulations and consultation.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
37. The IMG is considering all relevant policy and interventions that would have an impact on homelessness and rough sleeping. 38. The Renters’ Rights Bill will extend Awaab’s Law to the private rented sector (PRS), allowing us to set clear legal expectations about the timeframes within which landlords in the PRS must make homes safe where they contain serious hazards, such as damp and mould. The Bill will also allow us to apply Awaab’s Law to temporary accommodation occupied under licence through regulations. We plan to consult on how best to apply Awaab’s Law to such accommodation. This will allow us to ensure we strike the right balance by providing protections to residents while avoiding risks to supply.