Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether the health of the carer of a (a) child and (b) baby is assessed (i) generally and (ii) for the impact of (A) sexual and (B) domestic violence when moving into temporary accommodation.

All temporary accommodation must be safe and suitable. The Homelessness Code of Guidance is clear that temporary accommodation should not be considered suitable for a family with children under two if there is not enough space for a cot and that housing authorities should support families to secure a cot where needed. The department does not hold information on the deaths of babies in temporary accommodation.

It is vital that survivors of domestic abuse are housed in suitable accommodation and that safeguarding should be a top priority. Legislation is clear that temporary accommodation has to be suitable, and local authorities should keep the suitability of accommodation under review.