‘450 primary schools’ worth of children in temporary accommodation

Around 450 primary schools’ worth of children are spending lockdown in temporary accommodation, according to council leaders.

New figures published by the Local Government Association (LGA) show there are 127,240 children living in temporary accommodation, including 1,440 households with children in bed and breakfasts.

The LGA said the number of children having to spend the latest national lockdown in temporary accommodation reinforces the urgent need for the government to ensure building of more affordable homes to rent, which is central to our recovery from the pandemic.

It has also set out a six-point plan of further action the government can take during these critical weeks to protect renters and prevent further homelessness once the ban is lifted.

The plan includes giving councils more powers to buy up empty homes, an immediate review of the overall benefits cap in the context of the pandemic and banning ‘no fault evictions’.

‘Living in temporary accommodation is disruptive and challenging for children and their families in normal times,’ said the LGA’s housing spokesman, Cllr David Renard.

‘These pressures will be being compounded by going into another lockdown, and on top of that some are unable to attend school.

‘Our six-point plan would give councils a better chance of being able to move homeless children into permanent accommodation and also minimise the risk of other households becoming homeless as a result of the pandemic.

‘This should include ensuring the welfare system is able to support families facing hardship and increasing the housing supply available to councils, as well as powers for councils to acquire empty properties and build much-needed social housing.’

Photo Credit – Picjumbo_com (Pixabay)