William Eichler 28 January 2025

Rising number of child deaths linked to temporary housing

Rising number of child deaths linked to temporary housing  image
Image: ChameleonsEye / Shutterstock.com

An estimated 80 children died in temporary accommodation in the year up to 30 September 2024, according to new research.

Out of the 3,605 child deaths in England between 1 October 2023 and 30 September 2024, 80 died while living in temporary accommodation – up from 55 over the previous year, according to a new report from the APPG on Households in Temporary Accommodation.

Whether temporary accommodation was a contributing factor to these deaths will be assessed through the Child Death Overview Panel (CDOP) process.

The report also found that between 1 April 2019 to 31 March 2024, 74 children died with temporary accommodation as a contributing factor to their vulnerability, ill-health, or death. Of these 74 children, 58 were under the age of 1.

Commenting on the findings, Housing Secretary Angela Rayner said: ‘These truly shocking findings break my heart. We will fix the system that has left far too many families trapped in temporary accommodation with no end in sight and end homelessness for good by tackling the root causes and driving up housing standards.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Democratic Services, Elections & Monitoring Officer

Harborough District Council
Grade 12 £67,236 – £71,223 plus £3000pa Statutory Officer Allowance
We are looking for an accomplished and proactive leader for our vacant post of Head of Democratic Services & Elections Market Harborough, Leicestershire
Recuriter: Harborough District Council

Chief Executive

Westmorland and Furness Council
£188,227
Join us on our journey Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Director, Local Government Reform and Devolution

Essex County Council
Up to £150,612pa
Shape the Future of Essex Chelmsford, Essex/Remots
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Senior bridge Engineer - WMF2212e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£47,181 - £48,226
You will be the key responsible engineer for this area and will also provide technical advice and guidance to our team Cumbria / Various
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Lead Approved Mental Health Professional - WMF2213e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£56,883 - £59,198
Are you a passionate, experienced Approved Mental Health Professional Cumbria / Various
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council
Linkedin Banner