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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 8

  1. Brent Council to Explore New Housing Scrutiny Committee Brent Council is set to explore the establishment of a new scrutiny committee dedicated to housing, following a unanimous decision at the Annual Council Meeting on Wednesday,... Brent 22 May 2026
  2. Brent Council Approves Long-Term Property Leases to Increase Homeless Accommodation Brent Council has approved a new strategy to increase the supply of temporary accommodation for homeless households by entering into long-term leasing agreements with private... Brent 9 April 2026
  3. Lambeth Council Approves 2024-25 Accounts Amidst Financial Recovery and Government Funding Lambeth Council has approved its final statement of accounts for the 2024-25 financial year, a significant step in its ongoing financial recovery. The Corporate Committee met on... Lambeth 27 March 2026
  4. Build to Rent: Council Faces Questions on Developer's Track Record Havering Council's Overview and Scrutiny Board has decided not to uphold a call-in regarding a Build to Rent scheme with Inspired Solutions, allowing the council to proceed with... Havering 26 March 2026
  5. Havering Council Defends 'Build to Rent' Deal Amidst Scrutiny Over Lack of Formal Tender Havering Council has defended its decision to enter into a 40-year build to rent deal with Inspired Solutions, despite scrutiny over the lack of a formal tender process. The... Havering 26 March 2026
  6. Build to Rent Scheme: £579m Savings or Long-Term Risk? Havering Council's Overview and Scrutiny Board has voted not to uphold a call-in regarding a Build to Rent scheme, allowing a 40-year nomination agreement with Inspired... Havering 26 March 2026
  7. Tower Hamlets Council Faces £18.6m Budget Overspend Driven by Social Care Demand Tower Hamlets Council is facing a projected budget overspend of £18.6 million for the financial year 2025-26, according to a report presented to the Overview & Scrutiny... Tower Hamlets 25 March 2026
  8. Lambeth Aims for 10,000 New Homes, Focus on Social Rent Lambeth Council has set an ambitious target to deliver at least 10,000 new homes over the next decade, with a significant focus on increasing the supply of social rent... Lambeth 25 March 2026