Temporary Accommodation
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
- Tower Hamlets Council's Cabinet approved acquiring properties for 180 new temporary homes on 21 October 2026. Source
- Ealing Council's Cabinet approved a new policy for homeless household placements on 7 October 2026. Source
- Wandsworth Council's Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee discussed implementing 10-year leases for temporary accommodation on 1 October 2026. Source
- Wandsworth Council projected a £5.3 million overspend for the current financial year, driven by housing pressures, in October 2026. Source
- 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.