London Councils React to Children’s Temporary Housing Report

Welcome, Net Zero News readers,

In a poignant reminder of the intersection between housing, health, and education, London Councils has underscored the “undeniable need for urgent action” in light of a new parliamentary report highlighting the plight of homeless children in temporary accommodation across the capital.

According to the findings, an alarming 90,000 children in London are currently homeless, residing in temporary accommodation arranged by local boroughs. This statistic translates to one in every 21 children in the capital facing homelessness—equating to at least one homeless child in every classroom in London.

The situation is dire, with London grappling with the most severe housing and homelessness challenges in the country. The London Councils estimate reveals that a staggering 183,000 Londoners—one in every 50 residents—are experiencing homelessness. In response, boroughs collectively allocate £4 million each day to temporary accommodation, with expenditure on homelessness skyrocketing by 68% in just one year.

Cllr Grace Williams, London Councils’ Executive Member for Housing & Regeneration, conveyed the urgency of the situation, stating:

“This report lays bare the dire circumstances facing many families living in temporary accommodation.”

She continued, emphasising the critical role that secure and stable housing plays in the education, health, and well-being of children. “London boroughs are hugely concerned by the tens of thousands of children caught up in the capital’s homelessness emergency, and what this means for London’s next generation,” Cllr Williams said.

As the capital faces a worsening shortage of affordable housing, local authorities find themselves increasingly compelled to resort to the least-worst options available to ensure that homeless families have a roof over their heads. Cllr Williams expressed a resolute commitment to improving standards in temporary accommodation and reducing the reliance on it, but she stressed the need for greater resources and support to expedite these efforts.

“There is an undeniable need for urgent action. London boroughs are fully committed to tackling homelessness and determined to work with the government in achieving this,” she added.

In a concerted effort to address these pressing challenges, London boroughs are collaborating through the Setting the Standard programme, initiated in 2020. This initiative aims to inspect the highest-risk segments of the temporary accommodation market, such as bed and breakfast establishments and studio properties, with the goal of eliminating substandard living conditions.

Furthermore, boroughs are actively working to reduce out-of-London placements for the homeless, acknowledging that these placements exacerbate housing pressures elsewhere in the UK. Local authorities argue that true solutions to homelessness require coordinated action between national and local governments to alleviate the crisis in the capital, all while avoiding competition over scarce housing resources.

In light of these challenges, London Councils is making a clear call to the government to take decisive action, including:

1. Better funding for councils covering the costs of temporary accommodation. The organisation urges the government to end the fourteen-year freeze on the amount councils can reclaim for temporary accommodation costs. This freeze has become the primary driver of financial insecurity for London boroughs, inadvertently leading to a decline in the quality of available accommodation.

2. Making the increase in Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates a permanent measure. Research from London Councils indicates that only 5% of private rental listings in the capital are affordable for households reliant on LHA. Boroughs are advocating for annual updates to LHA rates to reflect market rents, thereby ensuring adequate support for low-income tenants and preventing the escalation of homelessness.

3. Developing a cross-departmental strategy to reduce homelessness. Tackling homelessness should become a national priority, with government departments collaborating effectively with local authorities and other key partners.

4. Increasing long-term grant funding for affordable housing. The chronic and long-standing shortage of affordable housing is a pivotal factor driving the homelessness crisis in London. More investment in social and affordable housing would empower boroughs to deliver the housing solutions that local communities desperately need.

In conclusion, the urgent call to action from London Councils reflects a broader societal challenge that demands our collective attention. The situation facing homeless families, particularly children, is not merely an issue of housing; it is intertwined with educational outcomes, health disparities, and the overall well-being of future generations. As we navigate the complexities of homelessness and housing affordability, it is vital that we advocate for policies and resources that will foster sustainable solutions for all Londoners.

Let us rally together in support of these initiatives, as we strive towards a future where every child has a safe and secure place to call home.