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 12

  1. 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
  2. Enfield Council Housing Company Saves £16.1M Through Property Purchases Enfield Council's housing company, Housing Gateway Limited (HGL), has saved the council £16.1 million in 2024/25. The savings were achieved through the purchase of 672 homes,... Enfield 19 October 2025
  3. Enfield Significantly Reduces Families Housed in B&Bs Enfield has made significant progress in its efforts to reduce the number of families placed in temporary accommodation, particularly in bed and breakfast (B&B) establishments.... Enfield 19 October 2025
  4. Bexley Council Reduces Temporary Housing Costs Through Prevention and Efficient Allocation Bexley Council has seen a significant reduction in temporary housing costs, thanks to a focus on homelessness prevention and efficient allocation of social housing. The council... Bexley 8 October 2025
  5. Hillingdon Children's Services Faces £3.9M Overspend Due to Rising Care Costs and Accommodation Issues Hillingdon's Children's Services are facing a significant overspend, with the latest figures projecting a £3.9 million deficit, according to a recent Budget & Spending Report.... Hillingdon 29 September 2025
  6. Lambeth Council Faces £20 Million Overspend Despite Savings Efforts Lambeth Council has reviewed its financial performance for the first quarter of 2025-26, revealing significant financial challenges stemming from rising demand for statutory... Lambeth 25 September 2025
  7. Lambeth Assesses Progress on Lambeth 2030 Plan Lambeth Council is assessing its progress towards the goals outlined in the Lambeth 2030 plan, with the Cabinet reviewing performance against the Outcomes Framework at a meeting... Lambeth 25 September 2025
  8. Brent Council Faces £15M Overspend on Temporary Accommodation Due to Rising Homelessness and Lack of Affordable Housing Brent Council is facing a significant financial challenge, with a £15.4 million overspend on temporary accommodation projected for the 2024/25 financial year. This substantially... Brent 16 September 2025