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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 14

  1. Waltham Forest faces £31.4M budget overspend Waltham Forest is grappling with a significant budget overspend of £31.4 million, according to a recent report presented to the Budget Scrutiny Committee. Like many other local... Waltham Forest 8 September 2025
  2. Hackney Council Buys 34 Temporary Homes in Queen's Drive Hackney Council is set to increase its stock of temporary housing with the purchase of 34 new homes in Queen's Drive. These units will provide accommodation for the most... Hackney 16 August 2025
  3. Internal Audit Gives Croydon Council 'Substantial Assurance' Croydon Council's internal controls have received a vote of confidence, with an internal audit report giving the authority 'Substantial Assurance'. Croydon 2 August 2025
  4. Harrow Struggles with Call Wait Times, Fly-Tipping, Highway Repairs Harrow residents are experiencing longer call wait times, persistent fly-tipping, and delays in highway repairs, according to the latest performance report. The Performance and... Harrow 31 July 2025
  5. H&F Council Faces £6.4M Overspend on Temporary Accommodation Hammersmith and Fulham Council is grappling with a significant overspend of £6.4 million on temporary accommodation, despite efforts to mitigate the rising costs of homelessness... Hammersmith and Fulham 29 July 2025
  6. Croydon Considers Compensation Clauses for Out-of-Borough Housing Providers Croydon Council is considering implementing compensation clauses in contracts for out-of-borough housing placements. These clauses would be triggered if providers fail to... Croydon 26 July 2025
  7. Newham Considers Using Housing Fund Outside Borough Amid Financial Pressures and Best Value Notice Newham Council is considering using its housing acquisition fund outside of the borough, officials revealed at a recent Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting. The move comes... Newham 25 July 2025
  8. Newham Council Faces Scrutiny Over Rising Children in Care Costs; Plans New Children's Home Newham Council is facing increased scrutiny over the rising costs of children in care, despite plans to open a new home for young people with complex needs. The issue was... Newham 25 July 2025