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Written question asked by Josh Babarinde (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 20 January 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 22 January 2026. It was answered by Alison McGovern (Labour) on Wednesday, 28 January 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Homelessness: Health Services

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to ensure people experiencing homelessness can access mental health and addiction support when they are placed in accommodation outside of their local authority area.

Answer

The cross-government National Plan to End Homelessness makes clear that councils should, wherever possible, place households within their own area, except where there are clear benefits for the person seeking assistance (for example, in cases of domestic abuse). Any placements out of area should minimise disruption to essential services, particularly health services including mental health and addiction support, as well as education and wider support networks.

Placing authorities must notify receiving areas under Section 208 of the Housing Act 1996, enabling engagement with local services to help ensure continuity of support for households placed out of area.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
107216
Session
2024-26
Related items
A National Plan to End Homelessness
Thursday, 11 December 2025
Command papers
House of Commons
House of Lords
Subjects
Health services Homelessness Addictions
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk