As part of a new legal duty, schools and GPs in England must now be told when a child is placed in temporary accommodation.
Announced at the beginning of this month, the legal duty comes after government data revealed around 177,530 children are living without a permanent home. This is the highest figure since records began.
Under the new requirement, which has been introduced as part of the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026, councils are responsible for notifying schools, GP practices and other health services when a child is first placed in temporary accommodation.
Families can spend months or even years in such environments, with moves disrupting children’s education and healthcare.
Separate government research found that some households with children living in temporary accommodation, excluding B&Bs, had been there for between two to five years.
Homelessness Minister Florence Eshalomi said: ‘I know first-hand the uncertainty and upheaval that comes with not having a place to truly call home. For the thousands of children living in temporary accommodation, I know how much of it can impact their school life, their ability to form lasting relationships and their sense of belonging.’
‘This is a major milestone,’ Eshalomi added. ‘Crucially, it means schools, GPs and councils all talking to each other about the vulnerable children in their community – ensuring vital support services are wrapped around them at the earliest opportunity and reducing the number of children falling through the cracks.’
The government has also committed £30m over three years to reduce councils’ reliance on emergency accommodation and improve the quality of temporary housing.
The first year of the programme will focus on reducing the use of B&Bs, which aligns with targets to stop housing families in bed and breakfasts by the end of this Parliament.
Image: Shutterstock
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