Children in B&Bs: Government Pledges End to Practice | [Year]

Government Pledges to End Child B&B Living, Expand Childcare Access in New Poverty Strategy

The UK government has announced a comprehensive strategy aimed at significantly reducing child poverty, with key initiatives focused on ending the practice of housing families in Bed & Breakfasts (B&Bs) beyond legal limits and increasing access to affordable childcare for families receiving Universal Credit. The ambitious plan targets lifting approximately 550,000 children out of poverty by 2030, representing what officials claim is the “biggest reduction in a single Parliament since records began.”

Addressing a Crisis in Temporary Accommodation

A central pillar of the strategy is tackling the growing crisis of temporary accommodation, particularly the use of B&Bs. Homelessness Minister Alison McGovern emphasized the severity of the situation, stating that the detrimental effects of unstable housing have been linked to the deaths of children and babies. “If newborns are still being lived in B&Bs by the time I finished my job, I’ll consider myself a failure,” she declared.

Currently, over 172,000 children in England alone are living in temporary accommodation. The government intends to halt what it deems the “unlawful placement” of families in B&Bs for longer than six weeks – the current legal maximum. However, data from April to June 2025 reveals that more than 2,000 children were already exceeding this limit.

Historic Levels of Child Poverty Demand Action

The urgency of the situation is underscored by the fact that child poverty is at a “historic high,” with 4.5 million children – roughly one-third of the UK’s child population – living in relative poverty after housing costs. A significant proportion, three-quarters, come from families where parents are already employed, highlighting the challenges faced by working families.

McGovern articulated the core aim of the strategy: “putting a proper roof over our children’s heads.” She revealed that in the five years leading up to 2024, 74 children – including 58 babies – died with temporary accommodation cited as a contributing factor. The government is determined to prevent newborn babies from being discharged from hospitals directly into B&B accommodations, a practice officials acknowledge, “does occasionally happen.”

Key Policy Changes and Financial Support

The government’s plan builds on previously announced measures, including the abolition of the two-child benefit cap in April, the expansion of free school meals to all children from families receiving Universal Credit, and the introduction of free breakfast clubs.

The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) estimates that ending the two-child benefit cap will account for 450,000 of the children lifted out of poverty by the end of the Parliament, with the expansion of free school meals contributing the remainder. Additional measures, such as those addressing temporary accommodation, are expected to impact “much smaller groups of people.”

Concerns Remain About Long-Term Impact

While welcoming the plans, charities and opposition parties have voiced concerns about their overall effectiveness. Shadow work and pensions secretary Helen Whately argued that “You don’t lift children out of poverty by making the whole country poorer,” emphasizing the importance of economic growth and employment opportunities.

The Health Foundation acknowledged the strategy as progress but stressed the need for a “preventative approach that tackles the deep structural causes of poverty.” Lord John Bird, founder of The Big Issue, criticized the lack of “ambitious targets,” warning that “warm words will not translate into tangible progress” in the current economic climate.

Supporting Families and Coordinating Services

To bolster support for families in temporary accommodation, councils will now be legally obligated to notify schools, health visitors, and GPs when a child is placed in such housing, fostering a more coordinated approach to care. An existing £8 million pilot program aimed at reducing reliance on B&Bs in the 20 local authorities with the highest usage will continue for another three years. Furthermore, the government plans to construct 5,000 new homes specifically designated as temporary accommodation by 2030.

Children’s Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza highlighted the need to improve the quality of temporary accommodation, describing some conditions as “shocking Dickensian conditions.” Homelessness charity Shelter echoed this sentiment, calling for ministers to prioritize moving children out of temporary housing and into permanent homes by unfreezing housing benefits and investing in social rent housing.

Impact on Education and Child Wellbeing

The strain of unstable housing is already impacting children’s education and wellbeing. James Cassidy, headteacher of Eton Park Junior Academy in Burton-upon-Trent, reported a growing number of pupils arriving at school “tired, anxious and stressed,” which negatively affects their concentration and social interactions. He noted that the “vast majority” of families are struggling with the cost of living and job security.

Childcare Accessibility as a Key Component

Recognizing that childcare costs are a major barrier to employment, the government is also expanding access to affordable childcare. A rule change slated for next year will extend eligibility for upfront childcare cost support to individuals returning from parental leave, making it easier for new parents on Universal Credit to re-enter the workforce. Additional measures will also aim to help parents save money on baby formula.

Pepe Di’Iasio, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, believes the plans will make a “real difference,” but emphasized the need for a broader, well-funded response across government departments. The success of this strategy will ultimately depend on sustained investment and a commitment to addressing the root causes of child poverty.