PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
Temporary Accommodation: Greater London (12 April 2021)

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what recent estimate he has made of the number of families living in temporary accommodation in London who have to travel over an hour each way to their children’s schools.

Asked by:
Dame Siobhain McDonagh (Labour)

Time spent in temporary accommodation means people are getting help and it ensures no family is without a roof over their head.

We do not collect data on the distance of temporary accommodation from the household’s school. The legislation and guidance set out that in the first instance, local authorities should try to place individuals within their own area, and retain established links with schools, doctors, social workers and other key services and support. However, when this is not possible, they should place the household as near as possible to the original local authority. Placing a household out of the local authority area should be as a last resort and authorities must consider the impact a change in location would have on a household.

If a local authority places a household into accommodation in another local area, they are required by law to notify the local authority of any placement, to ensure there is no disruption to schooling or employment for example.

Answered by:
Eddie Hughes (Conservative)
19 April 2021