Written by: Sarah Johnson
A recent investigation by Members of Parliament (MPs) has uncovered the alarming truth that councils in England are putting homeless children at risk by housing them in inadequate temporary accommodation. The inquiry revealed that a staggering 164,000 children are without a permanent home due to what MPs referred to as a “crisis in temporary accommodation.” Many of these children are living in appalling conditions that are negatively impacting their health and education.
Temporary accommodation, which is intended as a short-term fix for those facing homelessness, includes options such as hostels and shared housing. However, the inquiry found that some of this accommodation is in a deplorable state, with reports of serious issues like damp, mould, and infestations. Some families have been stuck in temporary housing for years, further exacerbating the detrimental effects on children.
Florence Eshalomi, a Labour MP leading the committee, highlighted the severity of the situation by pointing out that 74 child deaths have been linked to temporary accommodation. She expressed shock at the fact that over 58 of those children were under the age of one, questioning where society has failed these vulnerable individuals. Eshalomi shared her own experience of living in damp temporary accommodation as a child, emphasizing the need for urgent action to address this crisis.
In response to the inquiry, a government spokesperson acknowledged the shocking findings and pledged nearly £1bn in investments to improve homelessness services. The government is also working on a long-term strategy to combat homelessness, focusing on raising housing standards and increasing the availability of social and affordable homes. The hope is that these measures will help prevent more families from being trapped in unsafe and unsuitable temporary accommodation
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More