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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether she plans to issue guidance to local authorities on accommodating people with support dogs in temporary accommodation.

Local authorities must ensure that temporary accommodation is suitable for applicants and members of their household, taking account of their needs, requirements, circumstances and the location of the accommodation.

The statutory Homelessness Code of Guidance encourages housing authorities to give careful consideration to applicants who wish to retain their pets, which may include support dogs who are used for companionship, and local authorities should do their upmost to try and accommodate this. However, not all types of temporary or emergency accommodation are suitable for pets, as there may be limited facilities and space available.

Whilst some accommodation may not be suitable for pets, alternative suitable accommodation should be sought for applicants with guide dogs and assistance dogs as local authorities should be mindful of how their policies and decisions affect people who are protected under the Equality Act 2010.