One in five social workers ‘have seen children removed from their family due to poor housing in the last three years’

One in five social workers (21%) working with children have seen their service remove a child from their family in the past three years where unsafe or inappropriate housing was a key contributing factor, according to new figures.

“Unsafe housing conditions” can include maintenance issues, problems with mould, damp, insect or vermin infestations or cramped living spaces.

The report, based on a survey by the Social Workers Union, also showed more than three-quarters of social workers (78%) strongly agree that housing conditions are a concern for people they support, while more than a third (36%) strongly agree that over the last three years, the number of people they help who live in unsafe or inappropriate housing conditions has increased.

The figures were based on responses from 2,295 members of the Social Workers Union to a survey conducted online between 3 and 21 October 2024.

John McGowan, general secretary of the Social Workers Union said: “This data shows that the reality of life in modern day Britain is a struggle for many households. The country’s poor housing stock poses a danger to the wellbeing and development of children and poses a risk to the health of many adults with pre-existing health conditions.

“Social workers go above and beyond to help those at most risk in the country and are highlighting safeguarding concerns on a regular basis. However, addressing the housing challenge is more than social workers can do themselves.”

McGowan added: “Not only do we need to see investment in a £13.2bn Warm Homes Plan to help improve housing conditions, but we also need a full range of fully-functioning and well-resourced public services.”

McGowan’s comments were echoed by Matthew Scott, senior policy officer at the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) .

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Scott said the research “demonstrates the life changing impact housing can have on children’s wellbeing.”

He said: “Local authorities’ housing revenue accounts are stretched to their limit following decades of rent cuts and caps over the last ten years, and it is nearly three decades since the last significant central investment in upgrading homes, which came through the transformative Decent Homes Programme.

“The government should seize the opportunity to reverse the cycle of underinvesting in housing quality, so every child has a safe, secure home. In its forthcoming Spending Review, we urge the government to set out a new programme of investment in existing homes, including fully allocating the £13.2 billion promised for its Warm Homes Plan and taking steps to put the finances of housing providers on a more stable footing.”