Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 18
18
Accepted in Part
Anecdotal evidence indicates local authorities are 'swapping' homeless households between areas
Conclusion
We enquired whether some local authorities were effectively “swapping” households with other local authorities. MHCLG replied that it received a lot of anecdotal evidence that this was happening, and that such an approach was clearly wrong given that it is better for people to stay as close as possible to their home. We challenged MHCLG on whether some kind of central co-ordination was required to prevent this swapping of households from taking place. It replied that it was cautious of too much central government involvement in the statutory responsibilities of local government, but that it would look at ways in which it might encourage local authorities to work better together.24 20 Q 87 21 C&AG’s Report, paras 3, 1.21 22 Q 1 23 Q 39; C&AG’s Report, para 21 24 Qq 41-42 13
Government Response Summary
The government agrees and will explore publishing additional data on temporary accommodation and out-of-area placements by April 2025. MHCLG will also continue to engage with local government on this issue, noting existing legislation already requires local placements where possible. This is intended to encourage better collaboration among local authorities.
Government Response
Accepted in Part
HM Government
Accepted in Part
3.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: April 2025 3.2 MHCLG is exploring what additional data related to temporary accommodation can be published on a regular basis from its existing collection, potentially quantifying the number of out of area placements received. Improved availability of data will assist local authorities to collaborate and coordinate on the location of placements. 3.3 The homelessness legislation already requires local authorities to place homeless households in their area wherever possible. Where this is not possible, the legislation requires local authorities to place the household as near as possible to the original local authority. The government considers this a strong incentive to use local provision, however MHCLG will continue to explore this important issue in its engagement with local government.