Setting the Standard
Councils are addressing the financial pressures of temporary accommodation and the impact of new rental legislation.
Merton Council is addressing a projected £7 million overspend on temporary accommodation for the 2024/25 financial year, as discussed by its Overview and Scrutiny Committee in March 2026. A dedicated Delivery Unit Team is implementing strategies to reduce placements and increase discharges from temporary accommodation. The committee also considered the Renters' Rights Act's potential impact on private rental property availability and its anticipated reduction in temporary accommodation needs.
The "Setting the Standard" project is described as a London-wide inspection regime for rental properties and an inspection service for temporary accommodation. This initiative is relevant as councils work to manage housing provisions and the financial implications of temporary accommodation placements.
Key facts
- Merton Council's Overview and Scrutiny Committee discussed the Renters' Rights Act's impact on housing in March 2026. Source
- Merton Council projects a nearly £7 million overspend on temporary accommodation for the 2024/25 financial year. Source
- A Delivery Unit Team has been established to reduce Merton's temporary accommodation deficit. Source
- The Renters' Rights Act is anticipated to reduce the need for temporary accommodation placements. Source
- Concerns were raised that the Renters' Rights Act might reduce the number of available private rental properties. 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.