Labour MP for Stretford and Urmston, Andrew Western, is calling on the Government to take urgent action following research, released this week, that shows temporary accommodation has contributed to the unexpected deaths of at least 55 children in England since 2019.

The National Child Mortality Database, an NHS-funded programme, analysed data on the deaths of 10,256 children between 1st April 2019 and March 31st 2023 and found temporary accommodation was deemed to be a contributing factor in the deaths of 55 children – most of whom were aged under one year old.

The All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Households in Temporary Accommodation has said a lack of access to a cot in temporary accommodation, coupled with overcrowding, exposure to poor conditions such as damp and mould, poverty, uncertainty and repeated change are all considered to be possible causes of the unexpected deaths.

Following campaigning from the APPG and its petition that gathered more than 5,000 signatures from the public, the Government last week changed the Homelessness Code of Guidance for councils to encourage the provision of cots.

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has since written to all local councils saying they need to “make it explicit that temporary accommodation should not be considered suitable for a family with children under two if there is not enough space for a cot and that housing authorities should support families to secure a cot where needed.”

While the changed guidance has been welcomed by campaigners, they are now calling on the Government to ensure it is enforced and that the provision of cots and safe sleeping arrangements in temporary accommodation is a mandatory requirement. On Tuesday, Andrew Western, along with members of the APPG on Households in Temporary Accommodation, delivered a petition to Downing Street demanding this.

A record 142,490 children in England are currently living in temporary accommodation. These children are legally defined as homeless and can be placed by their local council in bed and breakfasts, shared hostels, hotels or private accommodation rented by the council.

The standard of temporary accommodation can vary significantly, with very poor conditions frequently reported by residents.

Speaking after the petition hand-in, Andrew Western said: “It is shameful and tragic that in 21^st century Britain, children are dying because of the conditions they are forced to sleep in.

“It’s hard to think of a more pressing issue for the Government to tackle. They must ensure that councils, who are under enormous financial pressure, follow and enforce guidance on safe sleeping arrangements in temporary accommodation.

“More widely, this heartbreaking story is a reminder of just how broken our housing system is.  We need to rapidly build more affordable homes if we are to ensure children have the best start in life.”