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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 5

  1. Richmond Housing Team Welcomes New Director as Part of Homelessness Strategy Richmond upon Thames Council has welcomed Altin Smiley as its new Director of Housing, a move central to a broader strategy aimed at tackling homelessness and reducing the... Richmond upon Thames 1 August 2026
  2. Richmond Council aims for £1.9m savings with housing policy Richmond Council is set to achieve significant savings of up to £1.92 million annually by the financial year 2029-30 through the adoption of a new Private Rented Sector Offer... Richmond upon Thames 1 August 2026
  3. Wandsworth Council Considers Council Tax Rise Amidst Significant Budget Shortfall Wandsworth Council Considers Council Tax Rise to Address Budget Shortfall Wandsworth 30 July 2026
  4. Wandsworth Council Adopts New Policy to House Homeless in Private Rented Sector Wandsworth Council has adopted a new policy to house homeless individuals and families in the private rented sector, aiming to reduce reliance on temporary accommodation and... Wandsworth 30 July 2026
  5. Wandsworth Housing Complaints Skyrocket 130%, Temporary Accommodation Costs Soar to £40 Million Annually Wandsworth Council has experienced a dramatic surge in housing complaints, with figures for the 2025-26 period showing a 130% increase compared to the previous year. The... Wandsworth 30 July 2026
  6. Brent Council Projects £18.3m Overspend in 2025-26 Due to Social Care and Homelessness Pressures Brent Council is facing a projected £18.3 million overspend for the 2025-26 financial year, primarily driven by significant pressures in adult social care and homelessness... Brent 29 July 2026
  7. Newham Council projects £5.9m budget overspend driven by social care and housing pressures Newham Council is facing a projected £5.9 million budget overspend for the 2026/27 financial year, according to the council's Month 2 budget monitoring report. The overspend is... Newham 25 July 2026
  8. Lambeth Council Recovers £1.2m in Right to Buy Fraud and 79 Tenancies Lambeth Council has successfully recovered over £1.2 million in fraudulent Right to Buy discounts, as revealed in a report presented to the Audit and Risk Committee. The... Lambeth 25 July 2026