Data indicates that temporary housing has played a role in the deaths of 104 children in England over the last six years, including 76 infants under one year old. In 2024, records show 64 stillbirths and 27 newborn deaths among mothers in such accommodations across the UK. Specialists attribute this to the ongoing housing shortage, which forces families into unsafe living situations.
Siobhain McDonagh, who leads the cross-party parliamentary group on temporary housing, expressed shock at the rising number of child fatalities connected to these arrangements, which have increased significantly. Currently, about 135,000 households in England, including nearly 176,000 children, reside in temporary setups. ‘These numbers demand widespread concern,’ McDonagh stated. ‘We require immediate and ongoing efforts to reduce child homelessness and prevent families from facing life-threatening conditions. Without that, we’re not truly addressing the issue.’
The group drew from the National Child Mortality Database, revealing that from April 1, 2019, to March 31, 2025, temporary housing was noted as a factor in the vulnerability, illness, or death of 104 children. Additionally, 140 children died while their primary address was temporary housing between October 2023 and September 2025. Each case will undergo a detailed review to assess if housing contributed, potentially increasing the total.
New data from MBRRACE-UK, an Oxford University initiative on pregnancy losses, identified that of 3,303 infant deaths from births between January 1 and December 3, 2024, at least 91 (3%) involved mothers in temporary housing.
Matt Downie, head of Crisis, described the situation as a routine crisis that seldom gains attention or government focus. ‘This should serve as an alarm,’ he said. ‘No child deserves to lack a secure home, much less die due to flaws in our housing and homelessness framework. It’s shameful and preventable.’
Dr. Laura Neilson, leader of the Shared Health Foundation, called the statistics outrageous. ‘These losses aren’t unavoidable,’ she noted. ‘They stem from policy decisions, inadequate systems, and a housing shortage that jeopardizes family safety. This needs to mark a shift, as allowing these trends to persist means accepting them, which is unacceptable.’
A report from the cross-party committee on housing, communities, and local government found that many temporary accommodations are unsuitable for living. Florence Eshalomi, the Labour MP chairing the committee, highlighted issues like lack of kitchen areas, insufficient space for children’s development or studies, and dangers such as mold or pests. ‘It’s heartbreaking that this has become an accepted crisis,’ she said.
The committee faulted the government for not tracking the state of temporary housing, despite rising expenditures, without knowing the quality provided. It supported plans to extend Awaab’s law and decent homes standards to these settings but deemed them insufficient. Eshalomi urged: ‘Action is needed now. The government must enhance safeguards, including routine checks on accommodation quality.’
The report recommended ending bed-and-breakfast use for temporary housing by parliament’s end, phasing out shared options, and mandating local authority inspections.
Homelessness minister Alison McGovern responded: ‘Our Child Poverty Strategy commits to eliminating substandard temporary housing and ensuring no disruptions in healthcare for children there. The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill will offer the most robust protections in years, guaranteeing vulnerable children are recognized, aided, and protected from oversight.’
