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Written question asked by Josh Babarinde (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 21 January 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 26 January 2026. It was answered by Alison McGovern (Labour) on Thursday, 29 January 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Homelessness

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps he has taken to help ensure homeless people who are displaced can return to their local authority for support.

Answer

Councils should, wherever possible, seek to place homeless households within their own area, except where there are clear benefits for the person seeking assistance (for example, in cases of domestic abuse).

The National Plan to End Homelessness sets out the government’s intention to engage with councils to address poor practice – to clarify what is suitable and make expectations on sending and receiving councils clear. Authorities receiving out of area placements must be notified in accordance with the law – this should involve engagement with the receiving authority to minimise disruption to health services, education and vital support networks.

This work will form part of the action plan to deliver the Plan.

We have published new data on out-of-area placements, setting out which areas have received placements, the composition of households placed out of area and the type of accommodation they are placed into. You can find this data on gov.uk here.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
107498
Session
2024-26
Related items
A National Plan to End Homelessness
Thursday, 11 December 2025
Command papers
House of Commons
House of Lords
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Homelessness
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk