Research indicates that living in temporary accommodation may have contributed to the deaths of 74 children in England from 2019 to 2024, with 16 of those in London. The data, gathered by cross-party MPs, highlights a disproportionate impact on children from black and minority ethnic backgrounds. Conditions such as overcrowding and lack of proper sleep arrangements exacerbate risks, prompting calls for legislative changes to ensure safety. The findings, drawn from NHS data, spotlight the urgent need for reform in housing policies to protect vulnerable families.
74 children have died in 5 years with temporary accommodation contributing to their death, she said. That is more than 1 every month. How shocking is that? In the fifth largest economy in the world.
The research found that child deaths were more likely to occur when there is overcrowding, poor conditions such as mould, and a lack of safer sleep options such as cots.
Ministers last year changed government guidance to advise local authorities to help homeless families access cots, but Ms McDonagh said that guidance should be law to ensure that deaths in temporary accommodation are zero.
The figures, compiled by a group of cross-party MPs, also reveal that temporary accommodation may have contributed to the deaths of 74 children in England between April 1 2019 and March 31 2024.
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