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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 15

  1. Hackney to Buy 125 Homes for Temporary Accommodation Hackney Council is set to purchase 125 homes to be used as temporary accommodation, addressing a critical need for stable housing and aiming to alleviate the council's current... Hackney 25 July 2025
  2. Westminster Council Overspends by £13.6M, Offset by Reserves; Approves Capital Program Reprofiling Westminster Council's Cabinet has acknowledged a £13.6 million overspend in the General Fund for the 2024/25 financial year, but has assured residents that reserves will cover... Westminster 20 July 2025
  3. Richmond Council Faces Challenges in Recycling and Affordable Housing; Temporary Housing Numbers Rise Richmond Council is facing challenges in key performance areas, particularly in recycling and affordable housing, according to a recent Policy and Performance Review Board... Richmond upon Thames 20 July 2025
  4. Wandsworth Invests £10M+ in Homes to Reduce Temp Accommodation Use Wandsworth Council is set to invest over £10 million in acquiring new homes to reduce its reliance on temporary accommodation, particularly for larger families. The decision,... Wandsworth 17 July 2025
  5. Waltham Forest Council Overspends on Social Care and Temporary Housing, Faces £24.458 Million Budget Pressure Waltham Forest Council faced significant financial challenges in the 2024/25 financial year, with substantial overspends in adult and children's social care and temporary... Waltham Forest 13 July 2025
  6. Waltham Forest Council Faces £24.5M Budget Shortfall Due to Social Care and Temporary Housing Costs Waltham Forest Council is facing a significant financial challenge, grappling with a £24.5 million budget pressure, according to a recent report presented to the Budget Scrutiny... Waltham Forest 13 July 2025
  7. Merton Council Allocates £20M for Temporary Housing; Addresses Concerns About Children in Temporary Accommodation Merton Council has allocated £20 million to purchase temporary accommodation within the borough. The council aims to purchase various types of temporary accommodation within... Merton 13 July 2025
  8. Haringey Council to Increase Temporary Accommodation Rents Haringey Council is set to increase rents for temporary accommodation, impacting residents in General Fund properties and those in accommodations leased from private landlords.... Haringey 11 July 2025