By Legal Futures Associate National Claims
Across the UK, families in need of safe and secure housing are being let down by a system that should be protecting them. Instead of offering stability, some councils and housing associations are placing vulnerable people into dangerous, substandard temporary accommodation, often worsening their physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.
The scale of the crisis is growing at an alarming rate, and the failure to address it is leaving thousands trapped in a cycle of neglect and despair. At National Claims we have seen first-hand the impact of these failings, working with families who have been left with no choice but to endure shocking conditions while fighting for a home fit for living.
The latest findings from BBC and ITV investigations paint a grim picture: social housing tenants are frequently removed from unsuitable properties only to be placed in even worse temporary accommodation. Many of these homes suffer from severe damp, mould infestations, and structural hazards that put residents, especially children and the elderly, at serious risk.
Instead of acting as a stepping stone to better housing, temporary accommodation has become a long-term struggle for many. Shockingly, Government data reveals a 16% rise in families living in temporary housing in 2024 compared to the previous year, highlighting the worsening state of affairs.
The effects of these conditions are devastating. At National Claims, we have seen an increase in families suffering from respiratory issues, skin conditions, and worsening mental health, directly linked to the hazardous environments they are forced to endure. 20% of our housing disrepair claimants report noticeable breathing or skin problems, with many undertaking simultaneous personal injury claims while seeking medical attention. Long-term exposure to damp and mould has been proven to contribute to serious health complications, particularly in children, where it can exacerbate asthma and lead to chronic respiratory illnesses.
In 2023 National Claims conducted extensive research into housing disrepair claims in London after our team noticed a substantial rise in claims from the capital. Our findings revealed a shocking number of social housing tenants had been forced to live with mould, leaking ceilings, pests and structural damage. Through our regular home visits, we know all too well that these issues go neglected by councils and housing associations, often for years at a time.
Through a series of Freedom of Information requests, National Claims discovered the hardest hit borough was Ealing, which has seen a 10,000% increase in housing disrepair claims since 2018. Brent Council follows closely with a 3,950% rise, while Lewisham has recorded a 1,400% increase. Our analysis also revealed Newham is another borough fraught with claims, leading us to host a community event in the area to discuss the issues, support local residents and spur meaningful change from MPs and councillors.
Despite mounting evidence, the response to these issues has been slow. Councils frequently blame funding, backlogs of repairs and red tape as a reason for inaction, but these excuses provide little comfort to those living in inhabitable conditions.
Beyond physical health, the psychological toll is immeasurable. Living in substandard conditions with no certainty about when – if ever – a suitable home will become available creates a state of constant stress and anxiety. Families who have already experienced trauma often find themselves further isolated, with no power to change their circumstances. The failure of councils and housing authorities to address these issues compounds their suffering, leaving them feeling voiceless in a system that should be supporting them.
National Claims is dedicated to fighting for these families. We have seen a surge in cases from individuals seeking justice after being subjected to appalling living conditions. Families shouldn’t have to fight alone to secure a basic human right and, through our Extra Mile Promise, we ensure claimants receive comprehensive support right from their initial call through to settlement.
But the problem extends beyond individual cases. The housing crisis is a systemic failure that requires legislative action. National Claims is actively lobbying for change, holding MPs, councils and housing associations accountable for their disregard of safe housing policies. We’re actively working with policymakers to push for stronger enforcement of housing regulations and greater transparency in how housing authorities manage their properties. We’re also advocating for increased investment in social housing, ensuring that families are not trapped in an endless cycle of unsafe temporary accommodation.
Real change will only come when the government takes responsibility for protecting vulnerable families rather than treating them as an afterthought. Until then, National Claims will continue to fight on behalf of those who need it most. Through legal action, political advocacy, and direct community support, we are making a tangible difference in the lives of those failed by the system. Families deserve better, and we are committed to making sure they get it.
For more information about our work to support tenants living in unfit social housing, or to view our research into the London Boroughs, visit: www.national-claims.co.uk.
