Government Announces Plan to Eliminate Children Living in Bed and Breakfasts
London, December 5, 2025 – The UK government has unveiled a new strategy aimed at ending the practice of housing families with children in bed and breakfast accommodations, a situation frequently linked to instability and poor outcomes for young people. The initiative, announced today, builds upon existing measures to support parents returning to work and reduce financial burdens on families.
Currently, a meaningful number of children are experiencing temporary housing through local authorities, with a portion placed in B&Bs - frequently enough unsuitable long-term solutions. This new commitment addresses growing concerns about the detrimental effects of insecure housing on children’s education, health, and overall well-being. The plan will involve increased funding and collaboration between central government and local councils to prioritize stable, appropriate housing options for vulnerable families.
The government’s broader package of support includes changes to parental leave entitlements for those receiving Universal Credit, designed to ease the transition back into employment after the birth or adoption of a child. Additional measures are also being introduced to help parents manage the costs of infant formula.
Details of the funding allocation and specific implementation timelines are expected to be released in the coming weeks, with the government stating its intention to see a substantial reduction in the number of children in B&Bs within the next year. Additional reporting by Vanessa clarke.
