Hackney Council is set to purchase 125 homes to be used as temporary accommodation, addressing a critical need for stable housing and aiming to alleviate the council's current overspending on temporary housing solutions. While the exact projected cost savings are not specified, the council anticipates that this initiative will significantly improve its financial situation related to temporary accommodation.
The decision was discussed at the Hackney Council's General Exception Notices meeting on 21 July 2025. The council is seeking funding from the Greater London Authority (GLA) under the Council Housing Acquisition Programme to finance the initiative. According to the Public Reports Pack, initial support has been received from GLA officers, with final approval expected at an upcoming board meeting.
The urgency of the acquisition was highlighted in the meeting, with a target to complete all purchases by 31 March 2026. The General Exception Notice for the Council Housing Acquisition Programme stated that because there is no cabinet date in August, consideration of this report at the July cabinet is critically important. These units will be used for temporary accommodation and will have a significant impact on both the residents that are in vital need of stable long term housing and the council's finances given the temporary accommodation overspend currently experienced.
To expedite the process, the council is also looking to delegate powers for legal and financial approvals for each property acquisition.
