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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 13

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. Enfield Council Approves £309M for Temporary Accommodation Leasing Enfield Council has approved a plan to draw down £309,239,680 from its Temporary Accommodation (TA) capital budget to lease properties for temporary housing in 2025-26 and... Enfield 16 September 2025
  8. Council-owned Housing Gateway Ltd saves £16.1m Enfield Council's Housing Gateway Ltd (HGL) has saved the council £16.1 million to date, according to a report presented at the Overview & Scrutiny Committee meeting on 8... Enfield 13 September 2025