Issue

Temporary Accommodation

115 stories · discussed at 64 council meetings · 32 councils

Councils are grappling with significant financial pressures from temporary accommodation while developing strategies to increase supply and reduce reliance.

Several councils are reporting significant financial pressures from temporary accommodation. Brent Council anticipates £38 million expenditure on nightly paid accommodation, forecasting a £9.5 million overspend in the first quarter of 2026-27. Hammersmith and Fulham Council faces a projected £14.3 million overspend for 2026/27, partly due to temporary accommodation, while Redbridge Council forecasts an £8.485 million overspend with pressures in this area. Lewisham Council plans to spend £135 million over three years.

In response, councils are developing strategies to reduce reliance and increase supply. Havering Council's 2026-2029 strategy aims for £11-12 million annual savings by reducing expensive temporary accommodation. Croydon Council plans 1,000 new homes to tackle homelessness and reduce temporary accommodation reliance, submitting a bid to the GLA in September 2026. Waltham Forest Council granted permission in September 2026 for 14 new temporary accommodation units.

Hackney Council's Homelessness and Temporary Accommodation Supply Transformation Programme, with £145 million allocated for 2026/27, faces challenges, including a 29% decrease in homelessness prevention outcomes since 2025/26. Temporary accommodation is housing provided for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, typically on a short-term basis. Waltham Forest Council's Shareholder Committee is scheduled to discuss the topic on 6 October 2026.

Key facts

  1. Brent Council anticipates £38 million expenditure on nightly paid temporary accommodation, forecasting a £9.5 million overspend in Q1 2026-27. Source
  2. Hammersmith and Fulham Council faces a projected £14.3 million overspend for 2026/27, attributed partly to temporary accommodation. Source
  3. Lewisham Council is set to spend £135 million on temporary accommodation over the next three years. Source
  4. Havering Council's new strategy aims for £11-12 million annual savings by reducing reliance on temporary accommodation. Source
  5. Croydon Council plans to build 1,000 new homes to reduce reliance on temporary accommodation. Source
About this summary

This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.

Stories, page 10

  1. Council praised in LGA peer challenge Barking and Dagenham Council has been praised in a Local Government Association (LGA) Corporate Peer Challenge, which described the authority as an innovative and creative... Barking and Dagenham 22 January 2026
  2. Havering Council revises Mercury Land Holdings business plan to focus on affordable housing Havering Council engaged in a lengthy and at times contentious debate over an urgent motion concerning Mercury Land Holdings, ultimately leading to the adjournment of most other... Havering 22 January 2026
  3. Hillingdon Council grapples with rising demand for temporary accommodation Hillingdon Council is grappling with significant pressure on its homelessness services, driven by a high demand for temporary accommodation and a growing strain on its budget.... Hillingdon 19 January 2026
  4. Harrow Council targets £9m savings amid rising costs and service demand Harrow Council is grappling with a significant financial challenge, aiming to achieve £9 million in savings over the next three years amidst escalating costs and increasing... Harrow 18 January 2026
  5. Newham Considers Selling Debden House to Balance Budget Newham Council is considering the sale of Debden House, a Grade II listed building currently used as a campsite and events venue, as part of its efforts to balance the budget... Newham 2 January 2026
  6. H&F Faces £2.16M Overspend Amid Social Care Pressures, Temporary Housing Costs, and Children's Services Hammersmith and Fulham Council is facing a projected £2.16 million overspend in its General Fund, primarily due to rising pressures in adult social care, temporary... Hammersmith and Fulham 10 December 2025
  7. Wandsworth Faces £700M Funding Gap for Temporary Housing Wandsworth Borough Council is grappling with a projected £700 million funding shortfall for temporary housing in the 2025-26 financial year, according to a report presented at... Wandsworth 1 December 2025
  8. Merton Council Faces Growing Budget Gap: £20M Shortfall by 2029 Merton Council is grappling with a significant budget shortfall, projected to reach £20 million by 2029, according to reports discussed at the Overview and Scrutiny Committee... Merton 30 November 2025