Equality: Break Down Barriers to Opportunity Mission

Baroness Hussein-Ece Excerpts

Wednesday 25th March 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)]

I completely agree. I would go back a stage earlier and stress the importance of health visitors. It is very disappointing that the number of health visitors has gone down in recent years. They are an incredible link to families. They are trusted and they can share information at a local level. My noble friend is absolutely right. As I stressed at the outset, the relationship with health is pivotal. We know that poor health outcomes often lead to low attainment. This is why we are determined to work in such a joined-up fashion.

[Baroness Hussein-Ece (LD)]

My Lords, more than 170,000 children are currently living in temporary accommodation. Nearly half of them—47%—frequently have to move schools. They are living in conditions that are not conducive to their health and well-being. Having to keep moving, often far away from their support network, is another major factor. What specifically is being done to support this cohort of children and to prioritise their needs?

[Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)]

This lends itself to one of the key vulnerabilities: families ending up in difficulties and children having to come into care. The Government are investing £39 billion in affordable housing and £13.2 billion in the warm homes plan, working with the existing housing estate. Housing is critical to well-being. The noble Baroness is right that kids having to move around a great deal adds to their vulnerability.