The London Housing Panel has published a statement calling for the government to ensure stays in temporary accommodation are as short, safe and healthy as possible.
One in fifty Londoners are homeless and living in temporary accommodation. This means that on average, one child in every classroom is in temporary accommodation.
The government has committed to reduce the number of households in temporary accommodation and increased funding for local councils to help prevent and end homelessness.
This is welcome, but it will take time.
In the meantime, a record number of Londoners are living in temporary accommodation, often in unsuitable accommodation and far from their workplaces, schools and support networks. The Panel asks for the government to commit to make all stays in temporary accommodation short, safe and healthy.
Read the full statement below, which sets out the London Housing Panel's policy asks.
This statement has been sent to Rushanara Ali MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Homelessness and Rough Sleeping.
The London Housing Panel has asked for a response to its policy positions, including the specific steps that the Government is taking to address the shocking standards and lack of amenity affecting Londoners from all backgrounds currently living in temporary accommodation.
The London Housing Panel is a coalition of 15 groups and organisations that want the diverse voices of different housing experiences in London to influence the Mayor's policies. You can read more about its work here.
15 January 2025
