Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 19
19
Accepted
MHCLG recognises need for stronger data on household placements, improving information sharing
Recommendation
MHCLG accepted that this is an area where it needs stronger and more transparent data. We asked if this was something that MHCLG’s homelessness case level information collection (H-CLIC) dataset could help with. It explained that, while joining up data from across local authorities was hard, and the relatively small number of people involved presented some data protection considerations, work was under way to improve the information available to local government about where households are being placed. MHCLG also suggested that it might better share good practice and facilitate conversations between local authorities, especially where it examines the data and identifies issues with out of area placements.25 Setting Local Housing Allowance rates
Government Response Summary
The government agrees with the recommendation, with MHCLG exploring options to publish additional temporary accommodation data, including out-of-area placements, from its existing collection by April 2025 to improve data availability and local authority collaboration.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
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.