1st Report - England’s Homeless Children: The crisis in temporary accommodation

The government did not address the recommendation to review the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman's resourcing or powers. Instead, it highlighted its aim to reduce emergency accommodation use for families and the ongoing £8 million Emergency Accommodation Reduction Pilots with 20 local authorities.

The government deflected the recommendation to update the Code of Guidance on safeguarding in shared facilities by discussing existing reporting requirements for out-of-area placements and its efforts to improve the presentation, quality, and accessibility of this data.

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.

The government deflected the recommendation, stating the Inter-Ministerial Group (IMG) is developing a long-term homelessness strategy and will review its purpose after publication, but did not address the specific requests for guidance on out-of-area property acquisition, pre-purchase notification, or consulting on distance limits.

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.

The government did not address the recommendation to update on connecting homelessness data with other public services or improving data collection for A&E, GP, and school absenteeism. Instead, it highlighted general efforts to publish a homelessness strategy, increase homelessness funding, boost affordable housing, and progress the Renters' Rights Bill.

The government did not provide any of the requested updates on the Inter-Ministerial Group (IMG), its meetings, attendance, or engagement with children and families. Instead, it detailed funding for the Local Authority Housing Fund, efforts to boost affordable housing supply, and plans for the Future Homes Standard.

The government did not address the recommendation concerning the extension of Awaab's Law to temporary accommodation, nor did it commit to outlining this in the homelessness strategy or requiring local authorities to provide information on tenant rights. Instead, it focused on its commitment to increasing social and affordable housebuilding through various funding programmes and development policies.

The government recognized the importance of balancing responsibilities and accountability for homelessness policy, stating that the forthcoming homelessness strategy will provide more detail on these matters.

The government highlights the role of the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO) in investigating complaints and notes that the LGSCO received increased funding for 2025/26 due to increased demand. However, it does not address the core concern regarding the extended duration of stays in temporary accommodation or the underlying housing crisis.