Stephen has called on the government to introduce a national framework to regulate temporary accommodation.
MPs discussed homelessness, temporary accommodation and the housing crisis in a Westminster Hall debate earlier this week. Many shared stories of constituents living in sub-standard, temporary accommodation, often for years on end. They recognised the particular challenges faced by those enduring substandard and overcrowded temporary accommodation during the pandemic.
Newham has the highest proportion of households in temporary accommodation in London. During his speech, Stephen highlighted some of the problems families living in temporary accommodation face, for example disruption in a child’s schooling. He applauded the the work of the Magpie Project - a charity based in Forest Gate - which has long campaigned to ensure local authorities work harder to find more secure properties for families who are made homeless.
Stephen urged the government to introduce a new national policy on standards in temporary accommodation, and length of stay. He also called for urgent action to safeguard children of families placed in temporary accommodation.
Speaking afterwards, he said: “The impact of the debate remains to be seen. However, it was an important opportunity for MPs to raise with the Minister the real and shocking challenges faced by their constituents in temporary accommodation.”
You can watch Stephen’s speech here.