Temporary Accommodation Linked to 104 Child Deaths in England Over Six Years
Experts warn that the housing crisis is pushing families into conditions that endanger their lives, with new data revealing a shocking toll. According to statistics compiled by the all-party parliamentary group for households in temporary accommodation, living in temporary accommodation has contributed to the deaths of 104 children in England over the past six years. Alarmingly, 76 of these children were under the age of one, highlighting the severe risks faced by the most vulnerable.
Rising Numbers and Urgent Calls for Action
Siobhain McDonagh, chair of the parliamentary group, expressed outrage at the increase in child deaths linked to temporary accommodation, which has seen soaring use in recent years. It is estimated that 135,000 households are currently living in temporary accommodation in England, including nearly 176,000 children. McDonagh emphasized the need for urgent, sustained action to reduce homelessness and ensure no family is left in life-threatening conditions.
The data, sourced from the National Child Mortality Database, covers the period from 1 April 2019 to 31 March 2025. It shows that 104 children died with temporary accommodation recorded as a contributing factor to their vulnerability, ill-health, or death. Additionally, figures indicate that 140 children died with their main residence listed as temporary accommodation between October 2023 and September 2025, with each case undergoing a formal death review process that could further increase the total.
Broader Impact on Maternal and Infant Health
Further statistics reveal a distressing impact on maternal and infant health. In 2024, there were 64 stillbirths and 27 neonatal deaths involving mothers living in temporary accommodation across the UK. Research by MBRRACE-UK, a University of Oxford project, found that out of 3,303 baby deaths between 1 January and 3 December 2024, at least 91 (3%) were to mothers in temporary accommodation.
Matt Downie, chief executive at Crisis, described the situation as a normalised emergency that rarely receives adequate attention. He stressed that no child should grow up without a safe home, let alone lose their life due to a broken housing system, calling the deaths deplorable and avoidable.
Political and Systemic Failures Highlighted
Dr. Laura Neilson, chief executive of the Shared Health Foundation, labeled the figures absolutely scandalous, attributing the deaths to political choices and unfit systems. She urged for a turning point, warning that tolerating rising figures year after year is indefensible.
A separate report by the cross-party housing, communities and local government committee concluded that families are living in temporary accommodation that is unfit for human habitation. Florence Eshalomi, a Labour MP and committee chair, noted that much of this accommodation lacks basic facilities like cooking areas, space for children, and is plagued by hazards such as mould or rats.
Government Response and Recommendations
The committee criticized the government for failing to collect official data on the physical condition of temporary accommodation, despite increased spending. It welcomed plans to apply Awaab’s law and the decent homes standard to temporary accommodation but warned these measures are insufficient. Recommendations include:
- Eliminating the use of B&Bs as temporary accommodation by the end of the parliament.
- Stopping the use of all other types of shared accommodation.
- Requiring councils to conduct mandatory inspections.
Homelessness minister Alison McGovern referenced the Child Poverty Strategy and the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, pledging to eradicate poor-quality accommodation and protect vulnerable children from gaps in healthcare.
