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 9

  1. Lambeth Aims for 10,000 New Homes, Focus on Social Rent Lambeth Council has set an ambitious target to deliver at least 10,000 new homes over the next decade, with a significant focus on increasing the supply of social rent... Lambeth 25 March 2026
  2. Lambeth Council Reaffirms 10,000 New Homes Target with 40% Affordable Homes Goal Lambeth Council has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering at least 10,000 new homes over the next decade, with a significant focus on ensuring 40% of these are genuinely... Lambeth 25 March 2026
  3. Lambeth Council Approves Ambitious New Homes Programme Lambeth Council has approved an ambitious New Homes Programme, aiming to deliver at least 10,000 new homes over the next decade, with a target of 40% being genuinely affordable.... Lambeth 25 March 2026
  4. Hillingdon Council Approves New Strategy to Combat Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Hillingdon Council has approved a new strategy aimed at tackling homelessness and rough sleeping across the borough, with a significant focus on prevention and increasing... Hillingdon 23 March 2026
  5. Haringey Council to Appoint Poverty Commissioner to Tackle Borough's Inequality Haringey Council is set to appoint a Poverty Commissioner to lead efforts in tackling poverty and inequality within the borough. The decision was made during a Full Council... Haringey 20 March 2026
  6. Islington Council's Homes and Communities Scrutiny Committee reviews homelessness prevention and temporary accommodation Islington Council's Homes and Communities Scrutiny Committee has reviewed the council's performance in tackling homelessness, focusing on homelessness prevention and temporary... Islington 19 March 2026
  7. Homelessness risk and temporary accommodation costs debated Tower Hamlets Council's Audit Committee has debated significant concerns regarding the risk of homelessness and the escalating costs associated with temporary accommodation. Tower Hamlets 15 March 2026
  8. Renters' Rights Act impact on Merton housing debated, potential reduction in rental properties feared Merton Council's Overview and Scrutiny Committee has discussed the anticipated impact of the Renters' Rights Act on the borough's housing situation, with particular concern over... Merton 15 March 2026