A growing number of children in the UK are being removed from their families because of poor and unsafe housing, according to alarming new data.
Unsafe Homes Linked to Family Separations
More than 20% of child and family social workers say they’ve had to take children into care over the past three years due to unsafe living conditions. These include severe damp, black mould, insect infestations, vermin, and overcrowded homes.
The findings, published by the Social Workers Union, highlight how the ongoing cost-of-living crisis is worsening the housing situation for many vulnerable families.
Damp, Cold and Mouldy Homes on the Rise
Rising energy bills have left thousands of households struggling to heat their homes, leading to damp walls and dangerous mould growth. On 1 April, energy bills rose again, pushing the average annual household bill to £1,849 — an increase of £111.
According to a report by National Energy Action, some families are now so desperate that they’re tampering with energy meters just to keep the lights on.
North East, London, and Wales Most Affected
The situation is worse in parts of the North East, London, and Wales. In these regions, 41% of social workers say they support families living in cold and damp conditions.
One social worker shared, “We’ve had to remove several children from homes covered in black mould — not just private rentals, but even council homes. The conditions caused serious health problems.”
Another added, “We saw properties with no heating, holes in the floor and ceiling, rats, and overcrowding that made life impossible for families.”
A Failing System and a Call for Government Action
More than three-quarters of social workers surveyed said housing conditions are now a major concern in their work. Over a third noted a sharp rise in unsafe housing cases over the past three years.
John McGowan, general secretary of the Social Workers Union, warned: “Removing a child is always the last resort. But when housing poses a serious threat to health and safety, we must act. Britain’s crumbling housing stock is harming children’s development and endangering lives.”
Fuel Poverty and Energy Waste
Simon Francis, coordinator of the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, said the government is failing families. “Millions live in freezing homes. They can’t afford safe heating, and some are falling into serious debt or turning to loan sharks. The UK’s poor insulation means a quarter of heating is wasted.”
He urged the Chancellor to fully fund a Warm Homes Plan that would improve insulation, cut bills, and protect health.
What the Government Is Promising
In response, the government says it is taking steps to improve housing and energy efficiency.
- £2 billion has been pledged to boost social and affordable housing.
- 300,000 homes are expected to receive upgrades like insulation, heat pumps, and solar panels under the Warm Homes Plan.
- Ofgem is working on a debt relief scheme to help struggling households.
A government spokesperson said: “We’re fixing the broken housing system we inherited and making homes across Britain warmer, safer, and more energy efficient.”
