Merton Council has allocated £20 million to purchase temporary accommodation within the borough. The council aims to purchase various types of temporary accommodation within Merton's boundaries using the funding.
The funding, approved at a Council meeting on Wednesday, will be added to the 2025-26 budget and is comprised of a £7,115,350 grant and £12,884,650 from Merton's own funds, according to the Financial Outturn Report 2024/25. One-bedroom properties are excluded from the purchase plan unless otherwise approved.
The decision comes as Councillor Hina Bokhari OBE, asked about the number of children currently living in temporary accommodation in Merton, as detailed in the Councillor Questions and Replies 9 July. The Cabinet Member for Housing and Sustainable Development responded that there are currently 1020 children living in temporary accommodation provided by the Council. The Council always aims to prevent homelessness wherever possible either by helping residents to remain in their homes or by supporting them to find alternative accommodation.
