Issue

Temporary accommodation

119 stories · discussed at 68 council meetings · 32 councils

Councils are addressing budget pressures from temporary accommodation costs, implementing new strategies, and increasing housing supply.

Ealing Council's Cabinet approved a new policy in October 2026 to standardise temporary accommodation placements, while Wandsworth Council plans to implement 10-year leases for temporary homes to cut costs. Several councils are reporting significant budget overspends, with Wandsworth projecting a £5.3 million overspend and Sutton facing a £36.5 million budget gap over three years, partly due to housing pressures.

Brent Council anticipates spending £38 million on nightly paid temporary accommodation, forecasting a £9.5 million overspend in the first quarter of 2026/27. Havering Council's new Homelessness Prevention and Rough Sleeping Strategy aims for £11-12 million annual savings by reducing reliance on temporary accommodation. Croydon Council is planning 1,000 new homes to tackle homelessness and reduce temporary accommodation use, submitting a bid to the GLA in September 2026.

Waltham Forest Council's Planning Committee granted permission in September 2026 for a property to be converted into temporary accommodation for 14 households. Lewisham Council's Mayor and Cabinet approved spending £135 million on temporary accommodation over the next three years in September 2026. Wandsworth Council's Cabinet will discuss this topic on October 12, 2026, and Westminster's General Purposes Committee on October 14, 2026.

Key facts

  1. Ealing Council's Cabinet approved a new policy for homeless household placements on October 7, 2026. Source
  2. Wandsworth Council is forecasting a £5.3 million overspend for the current financial year. Source
  3. Sutton Council faces a £36.5 million budget gap over the next three years. Source
  4. Wandsworth Council is set to implement 10-year leasing agreements for temporary accommodation. Source
  5. Brent Council anticipates spending £38 million on nightly paid 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 9 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.

Stories, page 10

  1. Barking and Dagenham Council reduces B&B stays for homeless families Barking and Dagenham Council is actively working to reduce the number of families housed in bed and breakfast (B&B) accommodation, particularly those staying for extended... Barking and Dagenham 13 March 2026
  2. Southwark Council Approves 4.99% Council Tax Hike Amidst Budget Deficit Southwark Council has approved a 4.99% increase in council tax for the upcoming financial year, a decision made during a Council Assembly meeting on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. Southwark 1 March 2026
  3. Enfield Council Approves £438.97m Budget, Imposing 4.79% Council Tax Hike Enfield Council has approved a £438.969 million budget for the upcoming financial year, which includes a council tax increase of 4.79% for Band D properties. Enfield 1 March 2026
  4. Council praised as 'innovative and creative' in peer review Barking and Dagenham Council has been lauded as an innovative and creative council that is punching above its weight following a comprehensive peer review by the Local... Barking and Dagenham 1 March 2026
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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