Government promises to put an end to children residing in B&Bs

The government has announced a plan to eliminate the practice of children living in bed-and-breakfast accommodations and to improve access to childcare for families receiving Universal Credit, as part of its strategy to combat child poverty. Officials estimate the measures could lift approximately 550,000 children out of poverty by 2030, which would be the largest reduction recorded within a single parliamentary term.

However, the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) cautioned that there is "significant uncertainty" regarding how much these policies will reduce measured poverty, partly due to unpredictable economic conditions.

Homelessness organizations welcomed the announcement but urged for broader reforms to effectively address poverty. Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary Helen Whately emphasized that reducing child poverty requires economic growth, stating that "only the Conservatives have a credible plan to grow the economy, support parents back into work, and tackle child poverty."

Child poverty is currently at a record high, with around 4.5 million childrenabout one-third of all childrenliving in relative poverty after housing costs, most of whom are from working families. Prime Minister Keir Starmer highlighted the struggles families face with basic necessities such as stable housing and adequate meals.

The governments strategy follows recent policy changes, including ending the two-child benefit cap, expanding free school meals for children in Universal Credit households, and introducing free breakfast clubs. The IFS predicts that ending the two-child benefit cap will help 450,000 children escape poverty, while additional school meal provisions will assist others. Measures on temporary accommodation target smaller groups.

In England, over 172,000 children currently live in temporary housing. To tackle this, the government plans to prohibit families from staying in B&Bs beyond six weeks, which is the legal maximum for emergency accommodation. Recent data show more than 2,000 children exceeded this limit between April and June 2025. The government notes that extended stays in temporary housing can harm children's physical and mental health, disrupt schooling, and strain families.

James Cassidy, headteacher at Eton Park Junior Academy, reported seeing students arriving at school stressed, tired, and anxious, which affects their learning and social interactions. He praised the new measures, noting that many families previously attempted to manage without support while in temporary accommodation.

The plans will also require councils to inform schools, health visitors, and GPs when a child enters temporary housing, aiming for a more coordinated support system. Additionally, an 8 million pilot will continue in 20 councils with the highest B&B usage, and 5,000 new temporary accommodation homes are planned by 2030.

Children's Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza welcomed the focus on improving temporary housing quality, describing current conditions as "shocking." Shelter agreed that no child should grow up in B&Bs or substandard housing but urged the government to transition children into permanent homes, unfreeze housing benefits, and build more social housing.

The Health Foundation recognized progress but called for further action to address structural causes of poverty, while Big Issue founder Lord John Bird warned that ambitious targets are needed to ensure real impact. Pepe Di'Iasio from the Association of School and College Leaders emphasized the importance of a coordinated government response supported by investment.

The strategy also seeks to make childcare more accessible, addressing a major barrier for parents returning to work. From next year, upfront childcare costs will be covered for new parents on Universal Credit, and additional measures will help families save on baby formula.

Author: Natalie Monroe