The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman has responded to the Public Accounts Committee's report on homelessness, published today.

Michael King, Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman, shared insights from the Ombudsman's work with the committee as part of a panel of experts, and issued a focus report on councils' use of bed and breakfast accommodation to house homeless families last week.

Mr King, said:

“We welcome the Public Accounts Committee’s report into homelessness and the causes of homelessness.

“As the committee has acknowledged, it is unacceptable that so many families today are stuck living in unsuitable temporary accommodation for lengthy periods of time. Today’s report once again underscores the problem. This is echoed in our recent report, ‘Still no place like home’, which highlights that we continue to see too many complaints from families who have been placed in bed-and-breakfast accommodation by their local councils for longer than the six-week period the law allows

“Our report shows the challenges faced by families who often have to stay in conditions where damp or infestation is a problem, which can affect their physical and mental health. We support the ambition for local councils to intervene earlier with those at risk of homelessness and we will continue to speak out where our investigations uncover systemic problems in this important area."