Log in
Issue

Temporary Accommodation

121 stories · discussed at 82 council meetings · 33 councils

Councils are focusing on increasing the supply of temporary accommodation and refining placement policies, while grappling with significant budget pressures from rising costs.

Tower Hamlets Council's Cabinet approved acquiring four commercial buildings in Marsh Wall to create 180 new temporary homes on 21 October 2026. Ealing Council's Cabinet approved a new policy to standardise placements of homeless households on 7 October 2026. Wandsworth Council's Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee discussed implementing 10-year leases for temporary accommodation on 1 October 2026 to reduce costs and improve quality.

Several councils are reporting significant budget overspends partly due to temporary accommodation costs. Wandsworth Council projected a £5.3 million overspend for the current financial year, citing housing pressures, in October 2026. Hammersmith and Fulham Council faced a projected £14.3 million overspend for 2026/27, partly due to temporary accommodation, in September 2026. Havering Council aims for £11-12 million annual savings by reducing reliance on expensive temporary accommodation, presented in September 2026.

Hillingdon Council's Cabinet is scheduled to discuss this topic on 22 October 2026. Temporary accommodation refers to housing provided for individuals or families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

Key facts

  1. Tower Hamlets Council's Cabinet approved acquiring properties for 180 new temporary homes on 21 October 2026. Source
  2. Ealing Council's Cabinet approved a new policy for homeless household placements on 7 October 2026. Source
  3. Wandsworth Council's Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee discussed implementing 10-year leases for temporary accommodation on 1 October 2026. Source
  4. Wandsworth Council projected a £5.3 million overspend for the current financial year, driven by housing pressures, in October 2026. Source
  5. Hammersmith and Fulham Council faced a projected £14.3 million overspend for 2026/27, partly due to temporary accommodation, in September 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 22 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.

Stories, page 12

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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