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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 7

  1. K&C Council faces £127m budget gap by 2031 Kensington and Chelsea Council faces a projected budget gap of £32.8 million in 2027/28, escalating to £127.2 million over the four-year period to 2030/31. The stark warning... Kensington and Chelsea 20 July 2026
  2. Haringey Council Approves New Contract to Expedite Council Home Repairs Haringey Council's Cabinet has approved a new contract aimed at speeding up repairs to council homes. Haringey 18 July 2026
  3. Westminster faces £161m budget gap by 2030 Westminster City Council faces a projected budget deficit of £161 million by 2030, a stark increase from previous forecasts, due to significant reductions in government funding... Westminster 17 July 2026
  4. Westminster City Council Reports £8.2m Overspend on Temporary Accommodation Westminster City Council has reported an £8.2 million overspend for the 2025/26 financial year, a figure primarily driven by escalating costs in temporary accommodation and... Westminster 17 July 2026
  5. Islington Council Invests £236m in Housing Amidst Supply Shortages Islington Council has invested £236 million in improving its housing stock, focusing on decent homes, fire safety, and damp and mould remediation. Despite this significant... Islington 16 July 2026
  6. K&C Council Faces £32.8m Budget Gap by 2027/28 Due to Funding Reforms and Service Pressures Kensington and Chelsea Council faces a projected budget gap of £32.8 million by the financial year 2027/28, with cumulative deficits expected to reach £127.2 million over the... Kensington and Chelsea 10 July 2026
  7. New Homes Scrutiny Committee to oversee housing in Brent Brent Council has established a new Homes Scrutiny Committee to provide dedicated oversight of the borough's housing functions, a move prompted by serious failings identified by... Brent 7 July 2026
  8. Council abandons SPV plan for temporary homes Kingston Council has abandoned plans to establish a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for temporary accommodation, opting instead to hold 150 properties within the General Fund.... Kingston upon Thames 27 June 2026