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 12

  1. Enfield Council Faces £3.3 Million Overspend in Children's Services Amidst Broader Financial Challenges Enfield Council is grappling with a significant financial challenge, projecting a £3.3 million overspend in its children's services. This contributes to a larger £7.5 million... Enfield 23 November 2025
  2. Enfield Council Faces £63M Budget Gap by 2030 Amidst Rising Social Care Demands and Funding Uncertainty Enfield Council is projecting a significant budget shortfall of £63.4 million by the period spanning 2026/27 to 2029/30, according to a recent financial update presented to the... Enfield 23 November 2025
  3. Barnet Faces £31M Bill Without Action on Temporary Housing Barnet Council faces a potential £31 million budget shortfall by 2030 if action isn't taken to reduce the reliance on temporary housing. Key barriers to successfully... Barnet 20 November 2025
  4. Islington Council Survey: Temporary Accommodation Residents Generally Happy, Repair Delays Remain a Concern Islington Council's recent survey reveals that the majority of residents in temporary accommodation (TA) are happy with their housing, but concerns about repairs persist. The... Islington 16 November 2025
  5. Hardship Fund Created for Tower Hamlets Tenants Facing Rent Hikes Tower Hamlets Council has established a hardship fund to support tenants facing rent increases in temporary accommodation. The decision, made at the Mayor's Executive Decision... Tower Hamlets 4 November 2025
  6. Harrow Council to Bid for Homes to Tackle Housing Crisis Harrow Council is urgently bidding to acquire 140 newly built homes within the borough to address the growing housing crisis and reduce reliance on temporary accommodation. Harrow 28 October 2025
  7. Westminster Faces Soaring Homelessness, Pays Out £66k in Compensation for Unsuitable Housing Westminster City Council is grappling with a surge in homelessness applications, leading to increased compensation payouts for unsuitable temporary accommodation. Westminster 28 October 2025
  8. Kensington and Chelsea Council Considers Using Pension Fund to Acquire Temporary Housing Kensington and Chelsea Council is exploring the possibility of using its pension fund to acquire temporary housing in an effort to address the growing pressure on temporary... Kensington and Chelsea 24 October 2025