Doctors have urged the government to link housing policy with children's health policy by creating a dedicated taskforce.
The call came in a report from the British Medical Association, published on Wednesday. The report warned that although the long-term effects of growing up in poor housing situations such as bed and breakfast hotels would not be known for years, short-term problems including behavioural disorders and stress were already apparent.

Dr Vivienne Nathanson, the BMA's head of science and ethics, said: "Recognition of the link between poor housing and ill health started in the 1800s so it is appalling that in the 21st century we are still raising concerns about this issue."

In December 2002, 12,670 households were living in B&Bs.

A spokeswoman for the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister said: "The government shares the BMA's concerns about children growing up in unsuitable B&B accommodation.

"That's why we have set an ambitious target that by March 2004 no homeless family with children should be placed in a B&B hotel."

However, the ODPM has no plans to set up a taskforce at the moment – and the BMA campaign to change its mind will continue.

Source

Housing Today