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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps the Department is taking to ensure that public bodies placing people in supported exempt accommodation in Birmingham from outside the city (a) notify the receiving authority, (b) assess the suitability of the accommodation and support and (c) make arrangements for continuity of care.

Legislation and statutory guidance is clear that local authorities should, wherever possible, secure accommodation for homeless households within their own area. However, in some areas where there is a limited supply of suitable accommodation, it is sometimes necessary to find housing outside their local area. This should be as near as possible to the original placing local authority.

The Homelessness Code of Guidance sets out that accommodation must be suitable in relation to the applicant and all members of their household when accommodation is being secured. The Code of Guidance is also clear that legislation requires placing authorities to notify the receiving authority of the placement, and they should also ensure arrangements are in place to meet the household needs. This includes taking into account medical facilities and any other support provided to the household, including any health and wellbeing support to ensure they are accessible and available near any accommodation offered.

The National Plan to End Homelessness sets out our commitment to taking action on out of area placements and drive out unsuitable practice. We are actively engaging with stakeholders, including local authorities, to understand the challenges around out of area placements. We will use this to inform decisions on addressing poor practice and suitability and clarifying expectations on sending and receiving councils.

Since 2021, local authorities in England have a duty to assess local need and commission safe accommodation-based support for victims of domestic abuse and their children. Statutory guidance makes clear that this should include the needs of victims who come from outside their area. The Government is providing £499 million over 2026-27 to 2028-29 to support delivery of these duties.