Issue

Temporary Accommodation

122 stories · discussed at 82 council meetings · 33 councils

Councils are addressing rising costs and demand for temporary accommodation by seeking new supply, implementing cost-saving measures, and reviewing policies.

Councils are actively addressing the provision and cost of temporary accommodation. In November 2026, Lewisham councillors scrutinised proposals for £2 million in annual savings for the homelessness service. Tower Hamlets Council's Cabinet approved acquiring properties in October 2026 to create around 180 new temporary homes. Ealing Council's Cabinet also approved a new policy in October 2026 to standardise placements. Wandsworth Council is implementing 10-year leasing agreements for temporary accommodation to reduce costs, as discussed in October 2026.

Many councils are reporting significant financial pressures. Wandsworth Council forecast a £5.3 million overspend for 2026/27 in October 2026, partly due to rising housing costs. Brent Council anticipates £38 million expenditure on nightly paid accommodation, highlighted in September 2026, while Redbridge Council forecasts an £8.485 million overspend for 2026/27, with pressures in temporary accommodation. Croydon Council plans to build 1,000 new homes to reduce reliance on temporary accommodation, discussed in September 2026.

Temporary accommodation is housing provided by local authorities for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Councils across London are grappling with the financial implications of this provision. For instance, Hammersmith and Fulham Council faces a projected £14.3 million overspend for 2026/27, partly due to temporary accommodation costs, as reported in September 2026.

Key facts

  1. Lewisham councillors scrutinised proposals for £2 million in annual savings for the homelessness service in November 2026. Source
  2. Tower Hamlets Council's Cabinet approved acquiring properties in Marsh Wall in October 2026 to create approximately 180 new temporary homes. Source
  3. Ealing Council's Cabinet approved a new policy in October 2026 to standardise the placement of homeless households in temporary accommodation. Source
  4. Wandsworth Council is implementing new 10-year leasing agreements for temporary accommodation to reduce costs, as discussed in October 2026. Source
  5. Wandsworth Council is forecasting a £5.3 million overspend for the 2026/27 financial year, driven by rising housing costs, as detailed in October 2026. 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 6 November 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.

Stories, page 11

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. Richmond Council Notes Rise in Insider and Identity Fraud Richmond upon Thames Council is grappling with a rise in insider and identity fraud cases, alongside increasing costs in temporary accommodation, according to a recent Audit,... Richmond upon Thames 26 November 2025